Elected officials from Texas were among those on a chartered train that crashed in Virginia this morning. The train was carrying Republican lawmakers to a retreat in West Virginia when it hit a garbage truck.
Senator Ted Cruz was on the train and is safe. So are Dallas Congressman Pete Sessions and Pilot Point Congressman Michael Burgess.
Karen, my staff members, and I are all on the train to the GOP conference and we are all safe.
— Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) January 31, 2018
Burgess, a doctor, administered aid to victims following the accident, according to the congressman's spokesperson.
Statement from Dr. Burgess’ Spokesperson Emma Thomson: “I have spoken to Dr. Burgess and thankfully he was not injured in the train accident. Following the accident, he helped to administer aid to victims - like he does during any emergency. We hope to share more info soon."
— Michael Burgess, MD (@michaelcburgess) January 31, 2018
Houston-area Congressman John Culberson was still on the train when he spoke with Houston Public Media.
“It was a tremendous boom with a lot of smoke and ash,” Culberson said. “It was a tremendous jar. The gentleman on board who injured his head [with] a concussion was next to me, and he was thrown to the floor violently. There was another congressman standing in the aisle close to me; he had a slight sprain.”
Thanks to all who have showed concern, I am just fine. Please keep in your prayers any others involved in the collision who have been injured.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 31, 2018
A Minnesota Congressman was being checked for a possible concussion. Otherwise, there are no reports of serious injuries from lawmakers or aides.
The White House says one person was killed and another was seriously hurt. Lawmakers say the fatality appeared to be someone who was on the garbage truck.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.