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Hunt for Heroes Train Crash
UPDATE: City Of Midland Updates Status on Victims 11/15/12
UPDATE 9:54 PM ***
City of Midland: 24 people on the flatbed when it was hit. 10 victims have been treated and releaed, five remain at the hospital (one is critical condition) and one has been airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock. Four people were killed in the wreck, two died at the scene and two died at the hosptial.
Editor's Note: The following is a newsrelease from the City of Midland
MIDLAND TX 11/15/2012 – On November 15th 2012, at approximately 4:36p.m., the Midland Police Department, along with EMS were dispatched involving a train collision.
The preliminary investigation shows that the Hunt For Heroes parade was traveling westbound on Wall Street when it tuned south on Garfield Street crossing the train tracks. The last two floats in the parade were carrying the heroes and their spouses. The first flatbed crossed the train tracks completely; the second did not make it across before being struck by the train. The Union Pacific Train was traveling eastbound when it struck the float. Some of those who were riding on the second trailer attempted to evacuate before the train collision. There were 26 people on the flatbed when it was struck by the train. They included 12 heroes, 12 spouses, and two escorts.
Currently there are four fatalities, two at the scene and two died at Midland Memorial Hospital. The injured were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. As of 9:30 p.m., 10 victims have been treated and released, five remain at the hospital (four in stable, one in critical), and one has been airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock.
The incident is currently under investigation. Investigators are attempting to notify the next of kin. More information will be distributed as updates are available.
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UPDATE 9:07 PM ***
We've learned that two of the victims who are in stable condition have been air-lifted to Lubbock.
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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
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UPDATE 6:25 PM ***
MPD Police Chief Price Robinson: 4 Dead, 17 Critical in Midland Train Wreck
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UPDATE 6:00 PM ***
Police Chief Price Robinson tells CBS 7 four confirmed dead 16 injured.
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UPDATE 5:58 pm ***
CBS 7 is now getting mixed reports from eyewitnesses about whether the crossing arms went down or not.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MIDLAND – CBS 7 has just learned that a train has slammed into the “Hunt for Heroes” parade procession. Reports from the scene tell us that at least nine people have been seriously hurt in the wreck that happened at the train tracks near the intersection of Garfield and Highway 80.
An eyewitness tells CBS 7 that a trailer, carrying people, was hit by the train and a car may also be involved.
We have crews en route to the scene.
Keep it here on CBS 7 and CBS7.com for the latest on this story.