Zeldin Onboard Amtrak Train That Crashed, Killing 1

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA — An Amtrak train carrying Republican members of Congress, including Rep. Lee Zeldin to a GOP retreat crashed into a tractor-trailer Wednesday in Virginia, causing minor injuries onboard and reportedly killing one person on the truck and critically injuring another, according to authorities and media reports.

Zeldin, R-Shirley, was not hurt in the crash. He sent out a tweet saying that he was fine, but had been on the Amtrak train. "Praying for those hurt. Great doctors & 1st responders stepping up quick & expertly."

Later, he issued a statement: "Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in. I am okay. It was clear upon impact that something had gone terribly wrong and I am very grateful that the train was able to stop without severely derailing. Fortunately, our amazing first responders, police officers and medical professionals, without hesitation, leaped into action with the utmost expertise and professionalism to help everyone in need of first aid. I am praying for all those injured in today’s accident and their families and loved ones.”

I'm ok. TY to all checking in. Was on Amtrak train that just had the accident. Praying for those hurt. Great doctors & 1st responders stepping up quick & expertly.
— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) January" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/RepLeeZeld... 31, 2018

There were no serious injuries among the other Congressman or their staff, the White House said in a statement. The White House confirmed there was one fatality and one serious injury. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation and is receiving regular updates.

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 Greenbrier, West Virginia.

Ed O'Keefe, a reporter for The Washington Post, said he spoke to Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake who told him one person was killed. Flake and other lawmakers reportedly helped carry one of the injured passengers to an ambulance.

Rep. Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas who is also a doctor, performed CPR on the train conductor and helped two people in the garbage truck who were transported to an ambulance, he wrote on Twitter.

In a statement, Amtrak said the train came in contact with another vehicle around 11:20 a.m. and there were no reported injuries to passengers or crew members.

"Local law enforcement is investigating the incident and crews are inspecting equipment for damage," Amtrak said in an emailed statement. "The train originated in Washington, D.C. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available."

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."

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

Reporting by Feroze Dhanoa.

Dan Hampton and Colin Miner contributed reporting.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

Photo courtesy Rachael Bade, used with permission