CBS7 News in Midland, Texas, is reporting that at least four were killed when a train struck a parade float:
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.
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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.
At last count, MPD Police Chief Price Robinson was reporting that four are dead and 10 in critical condition.
Prayer requests poured in quickly.
Pray for the people in the hunt for heroes parade!
— Brooke Thomas. ⚓✈ (@TheBrookeThomas) November 15, 2012
Praying for all involved in the Hunt for Heroes Parade tragedy in Midland. #heartbreaking #trueheroes
— Susan Blagrave (@susyqwho) November 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/KaitlynKing3794/status/269222949104521216
Praying for the people injured/ killed in the ""Hunt Heroes Parade" in Midland… Please send your prayers up!
— Tonya Coke (@DazzyT24) November 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/ChrisBrazeal/status/269224078420873217
https://twitter.com/penn391/status/269229522879135744
https://twitter.com/k_zub/status/269231306683076608
They were headed to a Hunt for Heroes dinner when hit by the train. Please pray for them and their families.
— Jennifer Key (@txjennk) November 16, 2012
Pray for the veterans and the families of those injured or killed in the train wreck in the middle of the Hunt for Heroes parade.
— World War Rutherford (@WWRutherford) November 16, 2012
The Show of Support website gives a brief overview of the Hunt for Heroes program:
In an effort to show support to the men and women of our military forces a reception is held. Each year, U.S. Service Men and Women from different branches of our armed forces will be honored for their service to this country. The banquet will be held prior to their departure to participate in an all expense paid whitetail deer hunt. This is our way of saying “THANKS” West Texas style!
Recommended
Midland City: A group of disabled veterans in the "Hunt for Heroes" program was in a parade when the trailer was struck by a train. 4 dead.
— Skylar A Gallop (@SkylarAGallop) November 16, 2012
All Hunt For Heroes activities in #SanAngelo have been cancelled for the weekend
— Skylar A Gallop (@SkylarAGallop) November 16, 2012
Update:
Horrific description of the train crash in Midland, TX — wounded warriors are among the victims. Witness says some were in wheelchairs.
— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) November 16, 2012
Twitchy will monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
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