© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Kentucky Congressman James Comer Describes 'Massive Impact' Of Virginia Train Crash

U.S. House Office of Photography

Congressman James Comer of Kentucky's 1st District said he is 'OK' after a chartered train carrying dozens of GOP lawmakers to a retreat in West Virginia struck a garbage truck near Charlottesville, Virginia, Wednesday morning.

Comer tweeted that most of the members are also OK but said there are serious injuries.

In an interview with WKMS, Comer said he feels "blessed" that he is safe. He said there was a "massive impact" about two hours into the train ride and that the train came to a complete stop.

"I looked out the window and I could see what appeared to be a garbage truck rolling on the ground," said Comer. "The train came to a complete stop so you could imagine the jarring effect it had."

Comer said the crash threw everyone from their seats. He was in the back of the train where the impact wasn't as bad as it was for those in the first train car.

Some of the members of Congress and their families near the front of the train suffered some injuries, he said, but nothing above possible concussions or broken bones.

"When I regained by balance, I looked out the window and I could see two bodies on the ground," he said. "So I knew that there were going to be some serious injuries."

He said Capitol Police asked members of Congress who are doctors to assist with injuries. Comer said the doctors tried to do CPR on both victims. He said one person did not survive and another was sent away by Air Evac, "but the outlook did not look very promising for him," Comer said. He said there were two people in the garbage truck and they were both ejected from the vehicle.

Comer said he was on the train with around 100 Republican members of Congress of the House and Senate. He said they were heading to a retreat in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to plan the Republican agenda.

He said other members of Kentucky's delegation are safe, but noted he didn't see Rep. Brett Guthrie. WKU Public Radio reports Guthrie was not on the train. Comer said his family is driving separately from Monroe County and they weren't on the train.

Comer said other transportation methods will need to be arranged as the front of the train is smashed up. He suspected that another train would come and hook to the back of the train.

"There's a lot of security on the train right now," he added.

The crash is in a remote location, he said, with a few houses in the distance. He said he didn't know why the truck was on the track.

The Associated Press reports that Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said there are no reported injuries to passengers or crew members after the incident that happened around 11:20 a.m. in Crozet, Virginia. Crozet is about 15 miles west of Charlottesville. She said local law enforcement is investigating and crews are inspecting equipment for damage.

The White House confirmed one fatality and one serious injury. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there are no serious injuries among members of Congress or congressional staff. She said President Donald Trump has been briefed on the matter and is receiving updates.

https://twitter.com/repgregwalden/status/958743314748014592

 

Tags