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Tenn. lawmakers recount train crash involving GOP representatives

One person was killed in a crash between a garbage truck and a train which was carrying Republican lawmakers on their way to a retreat in West Virginia.

Two lawmakers from Tennessee were on a train that collided with a dump truck Wednesday morning near Charlottesville, Virginia.

The train was carrying Republican lawmakers on their way to a retreat in West Virginia.

There is one confirmed fatality and one serious injury from the crash, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said, but no serious injuries among members of Congress or their staff.

Five people are at or are being transported to the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, the University of Virginia Health System said. One person was in critical condition, while the others were being evaluated.

According to Amtrak, the train collided with a vehicle on the tracks in Crozet, Virginia, a town about 126 miles away from Washington D.C. The U.S. Capitol Police, state and local authorities were investigating the scene, while the Amtrak crew was checking the train for damage.

Tennessee Congressman Phil Roe said he and his wife were on the train, but both are okay. Roe is a doctor and was assisting with an injuries. He helped administer CPR on the garbage truck driver, according to officials.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann was on his way to the restroom when the train hit. The Tennessee congressman was thrown around and suffered neck, back and foot injuries.

“I’m in a bit of shock right now,” Flesichmann said in a phone call from the scene, where he was being treated for his injuries. “I’m in a whole lot of pain and discomfort.”

Flesichmann said he wasn’t sure what the train hit, but it was “a tremendously strong impact.”

“When this thing hit, I got thrown,” he said. “It’s kind of chaotic right now,” he said of the scene.

This is the second major incident Fleischmann has been injured in during the past year. The congressman was injured in June 2017 during the congressional baseball practice shooting that sent majority whip Steve Scalise to the hospital.

Fleischman said his religion keeps him moving forward through these tough times.

"I rely on my strong Christian faith, and just keep hopping and praying for good health in the future."

Tennessee Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander, and Rep. Jimmy Duncan were not on the train.

President Donald Trump, who is also scheduled to travel to West Virginia on Air Force One for the Republican retreat Thursday, has been fully briefed and is receiving regular updates, Sanders said.

The retreat will still take place this weekend, according to the Congressional Institute. The program will include a prayer for those affected by the crash, as well as a security briefing.

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