Rep. Frelinghuysen Not On Amtrak Train That Crashed

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11) was not aboard a train that crashed Wednesday en route to a GOP retreat, his office has confirmed.

Two New Jersey Republicans were on the train: Reps. Leonard Lance (R-7) and Tom MacArthur (R-3) were there during the crash but were both uninjured, representatives for each told Patch. Reps. Chris Smith (R-4) and Frank LoBiondo (R-2) were not on the train.

The crash happened in Albemarle County, Virginia, according to several members who were on the train and reported the incident via Twitter. CNN is reporting that the train hit a tractor trailer carrying trash.

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.

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. Jeff Denham, a Republican from California, tweeted a photo of the front of the train.
NBC News reported that House Speaker Paul Ryan, who was on board the train, was not injured.

"Just learned of the crash involving the train carrying Republican Members of Congress to their retreat today," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said on Twitter. "Praying that all are well both on the train and off."

Amtrak did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Virginia State Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

PHOTO: Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen used with permission.