Congressman Smith Not In Amtrak Train Crash: Spokesman

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith from New Jersey's 4th District was supposed to be on the train that crashed Wednesday, but a case of the flu kept the congressman at home, a spokesman said.

"The congressman stayed home from the retreat because he is recovering from the flu," said Matt Hadro, the press secretary in Smith's Washington office.

The Amtrak train that crashed in Albemarle County, Virginia, had a number of Republican House members aboard, headed for West Virginia for their annual retreat, including Smith's fellow New Jersey representative, Tom MacArthur from the neighboring 3rd District. MacArthur told Patch he was not injured.

"I am OK and am thankful for the first responders for their quick action. My prayers are with those who were injured in this accident," MacArthur said by email.

Albemarle County Police confirmed they were responding to a train derailment. Local media outlets reported that the train crash happened west of Crozet, Virginia, about 15 miles from Charlottesville. The GOP retreat was scheduled to take place in West Virginia. CNN is reporting that the train hit a tractor trailer carrying trash.

Rep. Bradley Byrne, a Republican from Alabama, said he himself was okay but security and doctors were on board treating injuries. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, also tweeted about the crash and said he was okay.

Rep. Chris Smith photo via his official House of Representatives webpage