GOP Lawmakers Tweet from Train After Serious Accident: ‘Praying for Those Hurt’

Lawrence BonkJan 31st, 2018, 1:17 pm

An Amtrak train holding a number of GOP lawmakers, en route to West Virginia, crashed into a garbage truck, killing one person and injuring two others. The folks on the train, however, seem to have faced no serious injuries, with a number of House members taking to Twitter in order to report themselves safe.

Here are some of their tweets, with many recounting their harrowing experience and many others noting they were with family members during the accident.

https://twitter.com/RepMimiWalters/status/958751085463818240

I am on the train that crashed and was not injured. Thank you to everyone who has reached out. I am praying for those who were hurt.

— Rep. Scott Tipton (@RepTipton) January 31, 2018

Update on the damage from the accident today involving a garbage truck and the train Kris and I were on heading to the GOP retreat. pic.twitter.com/p5lbWHIplO

— Sen. Kevin Cramer (@SenKevinCramer) January 31, 2018

I am on the train, but I am okay. https://t.co/wmOjatHw9S

— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸 (@RepDonBacon) January 31, 2018

My wife Marie & I were aboard the train to the GOP retreat this morning. We are both okay but please keep the driver of the truck involved in the accident in your prayers.

— Ed Royce (@RepEdRoyce) January 31, 2018

My family and I on train to a retreat. Hit a garbage truck. Jarring, but everyone ok on train. Severe injury in truck. Maybe a death. Fr. Conroy there with injured. A number of Members of Congress who are doctors tried to help.

— Jeff Fortenberry (@JeffFortenberry) January 31, 2018

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 (@LeeMZeldin) January 31, 2018

On the way to the annual GOP retreat, the train that my colleagues and I were traveling on was involved in an accident. I am ok and am thankful for the first responders for their quick action. My prayers are with those who were injured in this accident.

— Archive: Tom MacArthur (@RepTomMacArthur) January 31, 2018

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

Clarinda and I were on the train that crashed today, but we are both doing OK. Please join us in praying for the injured.

— Dr. Phil Roe (@DrPhilRoe) January 31, 2018

I was on the train that crashed this morning but am okay. Please join me in praying for those injured in the accident.

— Rep. David Valadao (@RepDavidValadao) January 31, 2018

Due to media stories, just wanted to confirm that myself and the GOP conference are traveling on a train that has been involved in an accident. While I am fine, some people have sustained injuries. First responders are on scene and I am praying for everyone’s quick recovery.

— Gus Bilirakis (@RepGusBilirakis) 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

We were on the train today. Fortunately, Vivien, Gabriela, and I are ok. Please pray for those who were injured in the accident.

— Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) January 31, 2018

I’m on the train. I’m ok. Only minor bumps and bruises on this train car. Pray for those in the truck that the train hit.

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 31, 2018

Becca and I were on the train involved in today’s accident. We’re both OK and are praying for those injured and their families. We also thank the first responders for their professionalism and care.

— Raúl R. Labrador (@Raul_Labrador) January 31, 2018

Sue and I are both on the train traveling to the GOP retreat. We are ok. Praying for those injured in the accident.

— Rep. Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) January 31, 2018

I'm on the train in Virginia and I am ok. Please join Renee and me in praying for those who were injured and their families. So thankful for our amazing first responders who put themselves in harm’s way every day.

— Rep. Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) January 31, 2018

Our train heading to our annual retreat with members of Congress has been an accident. Looks like smaller injuries at this point on train but serious injuries outside from collision. Apparently, we have hit a large dump truck… Helicopters and security are covering the area. pic.twitter.com/MNlWTocMRQ

— Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) January 31, 2018

While en route to the retreat this morning, our train was involved in an accident. I am okay and I believe that none on the train are injured. I have been praying and will continue to pray that God will care for all of those affected by this morning's events.

— Virginia Foxx (@virginiafoxx) January 31, 2018

Congressman Hill was traveling on the train to the GOP retreat. He has reported that he is safe and secure and has asked for prayers for the injured.

— French Hill (@RepFrenchHill) January 31, 2018

I am in train that collided with a trash truck. I am okay. Getting word 3 people were in truck: one person died. Another lifeflighted. Third walked away. Please keep all in your prayers. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uycY6vKAvZ

— Archive: Rep. Vicky Hartzler (@RepHartzler) January 31, 2018

Thank you to all those who reached out to see if I’m OK. Although I was on the train to the GOP retreat in WV, I am doing fine, as is Roxanne. Prayers go out to all those injured today, and to the loved ones of the person who lost his life in this tragic accident.

— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) January 31, 2018

I’m on the train with other members of Congress that was involved in a crash on our way to W. Virginia. I’m ok. Praying for everyone impacted by this crash.

— Pete Olson (@RepPeteOlson) January 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/RepJohnKatko/status/958760380825817090

pic.twitter.com/FCnSwsTO2O

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

GOP Senators were also involved in the accident, with many of them tweeting to let everyone know their status.

I am on the train and ok, but know a lot of prayers are needed now for those hurt. https://t.co/jkwRfZTTW9

— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) January 31, 2018

Our train headed to West Virginia was involved in an accident with a truck. Everyone on the train appears to be okay. Please join me in praying for those in the truck we collided with.

— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 31, 2018

I am on the train in Virginia and okay. It does not appear that there were serious injuries on the train. Please pray for those in the vehicle that was struck.

— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) January 31, 2018

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

I was on the train with my colleagues, but I’m okay. Please keep the drivers of the truck and train engineers in your prayers. https://t.co/lOfCHuJX7R

— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) January 31, 2018

I'm on the train to the GOP retreat and am ok. There appear to be no serious injuries among train passengers. Keeping those in the vehicle in our thoughts & prayers.

— Senator Mike Rounds (@SenatorRounds) 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

On the train and okay. Prayers for the drivers of the truck.

— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) 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

— Senator Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) January 31, 2018

Many Republican lawmakers were not on the train and also rushed to social media to let their constituents know they were okay.

Thank you to those who have reached out asking about the train wreck. Neither I nor any of my staff were on the train, so we’re fine, but I do ask you join me in praying for those who were injured.

— Rep. Ralph Abraham (@RepAbraham) January 31, 2018

I am safe and had taken alternate transportation to today’s GOP retreat. Praying my colleagues and those who were in the truck are safe and receiving any needed medical attention.

— Dave Joyce (@RepDaveJoyce) January 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove/status/958757142936412161

I was not on board the Amtrak train that collided with a vehicle in Virginia this morning. I returned home to Nevada last night and will be working in CD-2 for the remainder of the week. Please take a moment to keep all those involved in this accident in your thoughts.

— Rep. Mark Amodei (@MarkAmodeiNV2) January 31, 2018

I was not aboard the train involved in the accident today. Please join me in prayer for all who were injured and their families.

— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) January 31, 2018

I was not on board the train and I am safe. Thanks to the Capitol Police and my colleagues with medical training for their quick response. Please pray for all those involved and their families.

— Archive: Steve Stivers (@RepSteveStivers) January 31, 2018

I was not on the train to West Virginia. Tia and I are praying for those injured and their families.

— Mario Díaz-Balart (@MarioDB) January 31, 2018

Praying for my colleagues and all involved in the train accident in West Virginia today. I was not on board, but I am thankful that some of my fellow MDs are there to tend to the injured.

— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) January 31, 2018

While I was not among those on the train this morning, I am nevertheless grateful for the first responders who moved swiftly to help. I'm praying for those who were injured in this accident.

— Pat Toomey (US Sen. ret.) (@SenToomey) January 31, 2018

Just learned about the train accident in Virginia. Thinking about my colleagues and all those involved. Hoping everyone is okay.

— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) January 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/RepChrisSmith/status/958760476514619392

The retreat is expected to proceed:

The retreat WILL continue. latest from Rep. Bill Flores: “They hooked a locomotive to the back of the passenger cars, disconnected the original locomotive from the front of the train (it is disabled and partially derailed), and they will pull us ‘back’ to Charlottesville.”

— Elaina Plott (@elainaplott) January 31, 2018

A spokeswoman for the W.V. @GOP Retreat tells me “We are adjusting our schedule as needed but the conference will continue” in light of today’s @Amtrak accident.

— Nikki Schwab (@NikkiSchwab) January 31, 2018

Finally, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has released a statement on the accident, as he was also aboard the train during the accident. Reports indicate that he was uninjured in the accident.

Today’s incident was a terrible tragedy. We are grateful for the first responders who rushed to the scene and we pray for the victims and their families. May they all be in our thoughts right now.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 31, 2018

[image via screenshot]

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