First District Congressman Lee Zeldin was aboard the Amtrak train that collided with a garbage truck in Crozet, Virginia, outside of Charlotteville, this morning.
The train was carrying Republican lawmakers and some of their family members to an annual retreat in West Virginia.
One person on the garbage truck was killed and a second seriously injured, according to media reports.
No one aboard the train was seriously hurt, though one lawmaker and one staff member were transported to an area hospital. Two crew members were also taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the accident.
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 31, 2018
Zeldin was not injured in the crash, he said in a tweet this afternoon.
“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,” Zeldin tweeted.
UPDATE: Train back on the move. Grateful for our amazing first responders, police, and doctors. Praying for everyone injured in today’s Amtrak crash pic.twitter.com/sk5h1fGX6R
— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) January 31, 2018
He later added “Grateful for our amazing first responders, police, and doctors. Praying for everyone injured in today’s Amtrak crash.
His office later sent out the following written 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.”
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