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.
NTSB is launching a Go-Team to the scene of the Amtrak accident in VA. More information will be released as it becomes available.
— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 31, 2018
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.
I was aboard the train headed to the Greenbrier– I am fine. Prayers go out to anyone injured by this accident.
— Rep. Alex Mooney (@RepAlexMooney) January 31, 2018
Photos showed a mangled truck and lots of debris spread over a grassy area.
Just learned about the train accident in Virginia. Thinking about my colleagues and all those involved. Hoping everyone is okay.
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) January 31, 2018
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.
Praying for all those involved in a terrible train/truck accident outside Charlottesville, VA this morning. Our condolences go out to the victims and their families.#wvgov
— Governor Jim Justice (@WVGovernor) January 31, 2018
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.”