Less than a day after the State of the Union address, a train carrying Republican members of Congress has crashed near Charlottesville, Virginia. The specially chartered train was in route to a Republican retreat at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, but struck a garbage truck sending the train off the tracks.
Several Congress members have tweeted about the incident and have told other outlets that some individuals were thrown from their seats. No major injuries have been officially confirmed but a local NBC affiliate reported at least one fatality.
NOW: Amtrak train collides with garbage truck in Crozet. Nurse on scene reports at least one fatality and at least one in critical condition. NBC29 is on scene and will bring you more details as we get them. pic.twitter.com/eU0uYL0JQx
— NBC29 (@NBC29) January 31, 2018
POLITICO reports that the fatality may be the driver of the garbage truck.
Rep. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., tweeted about the incident and stated he following:
“We are on our way to our annual GOP retreat, the train carrying members and spouses hit something. Laina and I are ok, I am helping those that are injured, I will have Laina keep you updated as I know more.”
We are on our way to our annual GOP retreat, the train carrying members and spouses hit something. Laina and I are ok, I am helping those that are injured, I will have Laina keep you updated as I know more.
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 31, 2018
Several other Tweets have come about about the wreck, some including photos. Politico Reporter Rachel Bade says helicopters are flying over the area and shared the below photo.
BREAKING: GOP train hit a truck on way to retreat. Sources say driver getting medical attention; members okay. Pic-> pic.twitter.com/99xmsGFEEs
— Rachael Bade (@rachaelmbade) January 31, 2018
Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., also posted a photo of the wreckage.
We’re fine, but our train hit a garbage truck. Members with medical training are assisting the drivers of the truck. pic.twitter.com/0I9jOwHTmb
— Rep. Greg Walden (@repgregwalden) January 31, 2018
