Train, truck collision kills 1, injures 66 on scenic tour of W. Virginia
A train carrying passengers on a scenic tour of West Virginia collided with a logging truck on Friday, killing one person and injuring 66 others.
Randolph County emergency services director Jim Wise told the Associated Press that at least three people were critically hurt in the accident.
Another 21 people were taken to the hospital by ambulance and another 45 were transported by bus.
Two of the train's passenger cars overturned when a logging truck hit the train Friday afternoon about 160 miles east of Charleston near Cheat Mountain.
Sandy Burky, director of passenger services at Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad, told local ABC station WCHS that train tourism is hugely important to the state.
"It is a tragedy because there is a lot of tourism that is brought to West Virginia because of this company," Burky said.
"It is just unfortunate. People come to West Virginia to ride our trains."
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin issued a statement Friday saying his administration was working with all the responding agencies.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved and the emergency responders working the tragic accident in Randolph County this afternoon," Tomblin said.
"My administration is working with all agencies involved to ensure the first responders and emergency managers are receiving the assistance they need."
It is unclear how the accident happened but AP reports that authorities believe the logging truck struck the train.
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