Amtrak Wreck: Sen. Portman Among GOP Lawmakers Aboard Train

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA — Ohio Representatives Brad Wenstrup, Jim Jordan, Bob Latta and Senator Rob Portman were two of several GOP members involved in a train crash on Wednesday, according to members of Congress on the train and local police. One person was killed and one person is in critical as a result of the accident, NBC 29 reports.

Wenstrup, who is a doctor, was helping tend to the wounded outside the train, his office confirmed to Patch. The congressman was also at last year's shooting at a GOP baseball game. Wenstrup comes from Ohio's second district, which is in Hamilton County and consists largely of Cincinnati suburbs.

Wenstrup was joined by Senators Jeff Flake and Bill Cassidy when treating the wounded, Flake said in an interview with CNN. "We've been through this before," he said, referencing last year's shooting.

Portman was travelling with his wife to the retreat. Neither person was hurt in the accident, WDTN reports. Jordan has also been reported as safe.

"Marcia and I were on the train heading to the Republican House meeting in West Virginia that struck a truck, but we are both ok," said Latta on Twitter. "Several doctors who are House members rushed to the scene of the accident. Please pray for those seriously injured in this accident and their families."

In a statement, Amtrak said the train came in contact with another vehicle around 11:20 a.m. and there were no reported injuries to passengers or crew members. There are reports the other vehicle was a trash truck.

"Local law enforcement is investigating the incident and crews are inspecting equipment for damage," Amtrak said in an emailed statement. "The train originated in Washington, D.C. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available."

An Albemarle County police dispatcher confirmed to Patch they were responding to a train derailment. Local media outlets reported that the train crash happened west of Crozet, Virginia, about 15 miles from Charlottesville. The GOP retreat was scheduled to take place in Greenbrier, West Virginia.

"Just learned of the crash involving the train carrying Republican Members of Congress to their retreat today," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said on Twitter. "Praying that all are well both on the train and off."

A spokesperson from Wenstrup's office said they had little information about what was happening but would provide updates on Wenstrup's status when they were available.

To get more information on the crash and other politicians on-board the train, click here.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

Feroze Dhanoa, Patch, contributed to this report

Photo via Rep. Greg Walden, used with permission