Midland, TX — Four people are dead and 17 injured after a train crashed into a parade float that was headed for an event in West Texas honoring wounded veterans.
The train was heading east at the time of the collision and sounded its horn before it slammed into the float on Thursday afternoon as it approached a railroad crossing in Midland, Texas, according to The Huffington Post .
Tom Lange, a spokesman for Union Pacific, stated that the crossing gate and lights were functioning properly at the time of the collision. He was not sure yet if the train crew was able to see the float approaching before the crash.
Ryan Stout, a spokesman for the city of Midland, stated that 10 of the injured people are currently in critical condition at Midland Memorial Hospital, while the seven others are in stable condition.
The train crash occurred around 5 pm CST and involved the train, as well as a float carrying veterans and their wives in the annual Show of Support parade, reports The Midland Reporter-Telegram .
The parade was set to end at the Horseshoe, where participants were to attend a Hunt for Heroes banquet. Wounded servicemen were going to be treated with an all-expenses paid white tail deer hunting trip, while their spouses were treated to a variety of activities in town.
Marcy Madrid, a spokesman for the hospital where the train crash victims were taken, stated when asked if those injured would be transferred to other hospitals, “All transports are complete and we have the resources and staff to take care of this. We do have the situation under control.”
All of the veterans’ events have been cancelled in light of the train crash.