An Amtrak train carrying Congressional Republicans to an annual retreat in West Virginia collided with a truck 10 miles outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. One person died in the collision, and another was seriously harmed, according to a statement from the White House.
Members on the train immediately tweeted about the incident to say they were unharmed. There are no serious injuries reported among congresspeople and their staff.
I am on the train, but I am okay. https://t.co/wmOjatHw9S
— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️ (@RepDonBacon) January 31, 2018
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
An Amtrak spokesperson issued a statement previously saying there were no known injuries to either passengers or crew, but one reporter on the train said the driver of the truck was receiving medical attention.
Pictures and video from the scene quickly began circulating online.
https://twitter.com/RepJeffDenham/status/958746186495741953
On the scene of an @Amtrak train crash in Crozet. Police say it is a HAZMAT situation. #Charlottesville @CBS19News #Virginia pic.twitter.com/mSSHaVoJlh
— Jack Durkin (@DurkinWeather) January 31, 2018
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
As for Jack Durkin’s note that it was a hazmat (or hazardous materials) situation, there are some reports that the collision involved a garbage truck.
The Republican members of Congress were on their way to an annual retreat at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.
Update 11:42am CT, Jan. 31: Press Secretary Sarah Sanders just sent the following statement regarding the accident.
“The President has been fully briefed on the situation in Virginia and is receiving regular updates. There is one confirmed fatality and one serious injury. There are no serious injuries among members of Congress or their staff. 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.”
This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.