Alabama lawmakers in train accident

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train crash
[Photo Credit: Reporter @LauraCPerrot on Twitter]

A train carrying over 200 Republican members of Congress and their spouses derailed in Virginia Wednesday morning. Several people have been injured, according to reports.

The Amtrak train struck a garbage truck in Crozet, Va., which is west of Charlottesville, at roughly 11:20 a.m. ET. Initial reports say one person has died in the incident and no one on the train suffered serious injuries.

GOP train crash
Images from the scene showed a damaged Amtrak train and a warped, overturned truck.

Alabama Today has confirmed that members of the Alabama delegation and their spouses were aboard the train.

Here’s what we know thus far:

  • U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01) was on the train with his wife Rebecca. They are both okay
  • U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02) was aboard the train and is okay.
  • U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) and his wife Beth were on the train. They are both okay.
  • U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) was on the train with his wife Caroline. They are both okay.
  • U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) was not on the train. He is safe in D.C.
  • U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) was aboard the train and is okay.

Alabama lawmakers quickly took to Twitter letting their friends, loved ones and constituents know that they’re okay.

“I just wanted to send a quick note to let everyone know Caroline and I are fine. We were on the train headed to a Republican planning conference when the train collided with a truck. I’m told one person in the truck has died. Our prayers to that person’s family & any others hurt,” tweeted Aderholt.

“The train carrying GOP members to our retreat had a collision, but Rebecca and I are both okay. Security and doctors on board are helping secure the scene and treat injuries,” tweeted Byrne shortly after the crash.”

Roby also tweeted her safety, “My family and I are safe, but please continue praying for all those involved in this terrible accident.

“UPDATE: Mike and Beth are on the train, but are both OK,” tweeted Rogers’ press shop.

The lawmakers were scheduled to spend the next several days at the West Virginia resort for their annual policy issues conference.