1 dead after train collides with truck in Virginia. No lawmakers aboard seriously injured

A train carrying several GOP House members to a Republican retreat in West Virginia collided with a garbage truck today. The White House confirmed that one person died in the accident, adding that no lawmakers or their staff were seriously injured in the accident.

“The President has been fully briefed on the situation in Virginia and is receiving regular updates,” press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. “There is one confirmed fatality and one serious injury … Senior Administration officials are in regular contact with Amtrak and state and local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by this incident.”

Amtrak spokesperson Beth K. Toll told the PBS NewsHour that a train collided with the vehicle, which was on the tracks, around 11:20 a.m. in Crozet, Virginia.

Many of the lawmakers on board took to Twitter to provide more details of the accident, including pictures of the aftermath and notices that they were okay. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was aboard the train and was not injured, multiple sources confirmed to NewsHour’s Lisa Desjardins.

Amtrak said initially said no passengers or crew members were injured in the collision. In an update, Toll said two passengers and two crew members were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. Crews are inspecting train equipment for damage as local law enforcement investigates what happened, it added. But the extent of the damage and other injuries to those inside the truck is unclear.

Several lawmakers on board helped assist those who were injured in the truck. Texas Rep. Michael Burgess, a doctor, told reporters at a news conference Wednesday night it was a “scene you don’t ever want to see.”

One of the lawmakers transported to a local hospital was Rep. Jason Lewis, R-Minn., who suffered a concussion in the crash. He was released Wednesday night and still attend the GOP retreat, according to his staff on Twitter.

“I’m fine compared to, tragically, the truck drivers, and thankful for the prompt action of our doctors and first responders. My thoughts are with the family of the individual who passed away,” he wrote on Twitter.

UPDATE- Rep. Lewis is grateful for the care of the clinical staff at UVA Medical Ctr in Charlottesville. He’s been discharged & traveled onto the GOP retreat, where he is recovering from a concussion. He looks forward to participating in the retreat as much as he is able. #MN02

— Jason Lewis (@RepJasonLewis) January 31, 2018

Thanks to all who have called and texted. We’re blessed to be ok, and hoping the best for those who were on this truck. pic.twitter.com/cSWnmsrGbd

— Carlos Curbelo (@carloslcurbelo) January 31, 2018

NOW: Amtrak train collides with garbage truck in Crozet. Nurse on scene reports at least one fatality and at least one in critical condition. NBC29 is on scene and will bring you more details as we get them. pic.twitter.com/eU0uYL0JQx

— NBC29 (@NBC29) January 31, 2018

We're fine, but our train hit a garbage truck. Members with medical training are assisting the drivers of the truck. pic.twitter.com/0I9jOwHTmb

— Rep. Greg Walden (@repgregwalden) January 31, 2018

Aftermath of the Amtrak train collision. Rescue workers help two people who were in the truck, a source on the train sent me the photo pic.twitter.com/xFUmK1i3EV

— Daniel Newhauser (@dnewhauser) January 31, 2018

.@maryaliceparks Front of the train heading to the Greenbrier pic.twitter.com/QGUxUbo8m7

— Jeff Denham (@RepJeffDenham) January 31, 2018

We are on our way to our annual GOP retreat, the train carrying members and spouses hit something. Laina and I are ok, I am helping those that are injured, I will have Laina keep you updated as I know more.

— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 31, 2018

Senator Roberts has let us know that he is fine after the train accident. We will update you as we get more information. -staff

— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) January 31, 2018

Our train heading to the GOP Retreat in West Virginia has been involved in an accident. I am safe but first responders are treating minor injuries on the train & treating the truck drivers. Praying….

— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) January 31, 2018

I am on the train in WV that was involved in an accident, I am okay. I am praying for those injured.

— Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) January 31, 2018

The train carrying GOP members to our retreat had a collision. Amey and I are both OK. Docs and security on board are helping secure the scene.

— Fred Upton (@RepFredUpton) January 31, 2018

I was aboard the train headed to the Greenbrier– I am fine. Prayers go out to anyone injured by this accident.

— Rep. Alex Mooney (@RepAlexMooney) January 31, 2018

I am on the train and I am OK. We don't know many details, but security and doctors are here to secure the scene and help those who are injured https://t.co/SLx1GeHmsW

— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) January 31, 2018

Due to the number of inquiries I need to let everyone know that Natalie and I are on the train involved with the crash. While we are shaken, we are both OK. We have gathered to pray for the victims and 1st responders and ask everyone to join us.

— Rep. Bill Huizenga (@RepHuizenga) January 31, 2018

The train carrying GOP members to our retreat had a collision, but Carolyn and I are both okay. Security and doctors on board are helping secure the scene and treat injuries.

— Ted Yoho (@RepTedYoho) January 31, 2018

PBS NewsHour’s Courtney Norris reported for this story. The NewsHour will update this story as more information becomes available.