Train carrying GOP lawmakers hits truck on tracks, 1 dead

Photo: Fox News

An Amtrak train carrying about 200 GOP members on their way to a Republican retreat, the Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia, slammed into a dump truck on Wednesday. One person in the truck was killed and at least one other person who was aboard the truck was treated on scene and taken away by helicopter and is in critical condition.

There were some minor injuries by those on board.

"It was a very high-speed collision," said Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) who was aboard the train, told Fox News. "There was no braking that was felt. We hit an immediate impact and went from 70 to zero very quickly."

Two Amtrak employees received non-life threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

The train is now returning to Charlottesville and the lawmakers are planning to travel on to the retreat. 

Photo: Fox News

"There is one confirmed fatality and one serious injury. There are no serious injuries among members of Congress of their staff," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. "Senior Administration officials are in regular contact with Amtrak and state and local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this incident."

The extent of the injuries is unclear but mainly are minor.

As this is being posted, the train has arrived in Charlottesville and the passengers will be taken via bus to the retreat.

Amtrak is run by the government and has a history of screw ups. Perhaps this one belongs on that list but we will see what comes out of an investigation. 


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