(Crozet, VA) -- Lawmakers on a train that hit a dump truck today say it was a tragic event. At a press conference this evening, Republicans on their way to a retreat say the happy mood after last night's State of the Union completely changed when their train slammed into the truck in eastern Virginia.
Congressmen Roger Marshall and Brad Wenstrup and other lawmakers with medical experience jumped into action after the crash to treat those who were injured.
U.S. Senator Rob Portman and his wife Jane were also on the train and were not injured.
Portman issued the following statement following today’s train accident on the way to the House and Senate Republican Member retreat in West Virginia:
“Jane and I were on the train this morning traveling to the House and Senate Republican Member retreat. We are both fine. We are keeping those who were injured in our prayers and are grateful for the first responders who quickly arrived on the scene.”
The driver of the garbage truck died. Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona remarked that it reminded him of shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise last June. Flake remarked that at the time, he thought he'd never be in that kind of situation again, but he's grateful so many of his colleagues have medical training.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the train accident in Virginia:
“My colleagues and I are deeply saddened by today’s fatal train accident in Virginia.
“My condolences, and those of the entire Senate family, go out to the victim’s family, friends, and coworkers. Our prayers are with the other accident victims who are fighting to recover from their injuries. And our deep gratitude is with the police, firefighters, and medical personnel who sped to the scene.
“It is impossible to overstate how much we Americans owe to our brave first responders – today and every day.”
The Amtrak train was carrying House and Senate Republicans and their families to a GOP retreat in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
President Donald Trump said he's saddened to hear about the death of the truck driver. Trump is still expected to join lawmakers for policy discussions at the retreat tomorrow.