Train bound for Greenbrier GOP retreat strikes garbage truck

This garbage truck was struck by the Amtrak train Wednesday morning.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A chartered Amtrak train carrying Republican members of Congress from Washington, D.C. to White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., struck a garbage truck Wednesday morning.

GOP members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives were heading to the Greenbrier Resort for a policy retreat. While Amtrak said none of the passengers or crew members were injured, the White House confirmed one person in the garbage truck was killed.

According to various reports, a second person was taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital.

West Virginia 2nd District Congressman Alex Mooney was the only West Virginia elected official on board. Both Rep. David McKinley and Rep. Evan Jenkins tweeted they were not on the train. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said earlier Wednesday on MetroNews “Talkline” she was flying with Vice President Mike Pence to the retreat.

Photos showed a mangled truck and lots of debris spread over a grassy area.

Reports said the members of Congress and their staffs would be transferred to buses and continue their trip to The Greenbrier, which is owned by Gov. Jim Justice.

Third District Congressman Evan Jenkins released the following statement:

“I am deeply sorry to hear that a life has been lost in the train accident Wednesday. My prayers are with that individual’s family, as well as those who were injured in this tragic accident. I was not a passenger on the train, as I had flown back to Charleston that morning to speak at the West Virginia Coal Symposium and then join Vice President Pence at an event. As we move forward with scheduled events, our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected.”





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