Train Crash into Veterans Day Parade in Midland, Texas - Train Crashes in Texas - 4 Dead
UPDATE 7:37*** Editor's Note: The following is a newsrelease from the City of Midland. On November 15th 2012, at approximately 4:36p.m., the Midland Police Department, along with EMS were dispatched involving a train collision. It was learned that the "Hunt For Heroes" parade was traveling southbound on Garfield St while a train was traveling eastbound along Industrial. Two Flatbed Trucks with trailers carrying soldiers and wives were traveling over the tracks. One of the flatbeds passed the tracks completely while the other flatbed was struck by the train. Some of those who were riding on the second trailer evacuated before the train hit. Currently there have been four fatalities, two dead on scene and two that died at Midland Memorial Hospital. Out of those who were injured, Ten are in stable condition and seven are in critical condition. Those that were injured were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. The incident is currently under investigation. This will be updated when more information is available. Mayor Perry will be making a statement at the Midland Police Department at 8:00pm *********
UPDATE 6:25 PM *** MPD Police Chief Price Robinson: 4 Dead, 10 Critical in Midland Train Wreck *******
UPDATE 6:00 PM *** Police Chief Price Robinson tells CBS 7 four confirmed dead 16 injured. ***
UPDATE 5:58 pm *** CBS 7 is now getting mixed reports from eyewitnesses about whether the crossing arms went down or not. **** UPDATE 5:55 pm *** Eyewitness on the scene tells CBS 7 that the crossing arms at the railroad crossing never came down. The Midland Reporter-Telegram is reporting two confirmed dead. CBS 7 confirmers both dead are veterans. *****
UPDATE 5:12 ***Eyewitnesses tell CBS7 the trailer was carrying the veterans. CBS 7 has just learned that at least 20 people have been transported and Midland Memorial has gone Code 1 meaning all emergency hospital personal must report to the hospital. ****
UPDATE 5:04 pm *** CBS 7 is now hearing reports that as many as 20 have been transported. We have confirmed reports that there are fatalities. ******* Authorities say four people are dead and 17 others are injured after a train slammed into a parade float headed to a West Texas event honoring wounded veterans. City of Midland spokesman Ryan Stout says the crash happened at a Union Pacific railroad crossing around 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Stout says 10 of those injured are in critical condition at Midland Memorial Hospital, while the seven others are in stable condition. National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson says the NTSB is investigating. A message left with a Union Pacific spokeswoman was not returned. The parade was supposed to end at a "Hunt for Heroes" banquet. The wounded service members were then going to be treated to a deer-hunting trip this weekend.
