UPDATE 1 – Train carrying Republican lawmakers hits truck in Virginia

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By BNO NEWS

A passenger train carrying a number of Republican lawmakers has collided with a dump truck in Albemarle County in Virginia, killing one person in the truck, officials and passengers say. Several others are believed to be injured.

The incident happened at about 11:20 a.m. ET on Wednesday when the Amtrak train collided with a trash truck in Crozet, a census-designated place in Albemarle County, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of Charlottesville.

There were no immediate reports of serious injuries on the train, but multiple people on board were being checked out for possible injuries. There was no immediate word from local authorities about the number of victims, but none of those injured are believed to be members of Congress.

“The train carrying GOP members to our retreat had a collision, but Rebecca and I are both okay,” U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne said on Twitter. “Security and doctors on board are helping secure the scene and treat injuries.”

U.S. Senator Jeff Flake told a reporter from the Washington Post that 3 people were on board the truck. He said one of those on board the truck had been killed and two others were injured, including one who Flake and other lawmakers helped carry to an ambulance.

A spokesperson for Amtrak said the train originated in Washington, D.C. but provided no specific details. “Local law enforcement is investigating the incident and crews are inspecting the equipment for damage,” Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said.

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