Congressman Bucshon on train involved in fatal crash

Feb. 02--Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon and his wife Kathryn were among the members of the Republican delegation and their families aboard a train Wednesday that crashed into a trash truck that stalled on the railroad tracks in Virginia. Officials report one person in the truck died as a result of the accident.

Authorities say five people aboard the train were taken to a local hospital, but no one on the train sustained serious injuries.

The lawmakers aboard the train were headed to an annual Republican party retreat at Greenbrier Resort near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, when the accident happened.

"Dr. Bucshon and his wife were both on board the train headed to the annual retreat," said Andrew Hansen, communications director for Congressman Bucshon's Office. "Both the congressman and his wife are doctors."

Bucshon issued a statement after the accident. "We are OK," he said. "As physicians, my wife and I immediately checked to see that our colleagues were OK. We went to the scene and did what we could to help the injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic accident and their families."

The crash in Crozet, Virginia, took one life and left one other person badly injured. Several members of the congressional delegation aboard the train are doctors and provided immediate assistance to those injured and even helped emergency personnel load them into vehicles.

The GOP congressional members had boarded the train following the State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Besides Congressman Bucshon, Representatives Jim Banks and Susan Brooks were on board along with Senator Todd Young. Fifth District Representative Brooks was among those on the train who went to the hospital.

"Luckily, I was sitting down," Brooks said. "I hit my knee against the seat in front of me and my head hit the headrest. Although the headrest is well padded it was still a hard hit. It was frightening. Unfortunately, I was sitting by the window and when I looked out I saw the truck. At first I thought it was two trucks."

Brooks says the doctors on board got busy immediately.

"All the doctors got up, including Dr. Bucshon, and moved to the back of the train," she said. "They told everyone else to remain where they were."

Senator Young tweeted that he was OK and that it did not appear that there were any serious injuries on the train.

Officials report the crossing has been a problem area with vehicles getting stuck on the tracks in the past.

"It was a terrible, horrible day," said Brooks. "I don't know how it happened."

After the crash Amtrak officials took the train to Charlottesville, Virginia, where passengers boarded buses to finish the trip to Greenbrier.

The retreat is now under way with appearances expected by both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

"Because of the delay in their arrival, they are working on a pretty condensed schedule now," said Hansen.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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