A train today struck a parade float carrying “wounded warrior” veterans and their wives, killing four people and injuring 17 more in Midland, Texas.
The “Hunt for Heroes” parade was on its way to a banquet, all part of a weekend to honor the heroes and treat them and their wives to a good time.
Of the 17 injured, according to the Midland Telegram Reporter, 10 are in critical condition.
The incident occurred at the corner of Garfield Road and Industrial Avenue in the town at about 5 p.m. Thursday evening. There were 24 people aboard the float, taking them from the local Hilton Hotel to the Midland Horseshoe Center in the south end of Midland.
The trailer was the second of two; the first had already crossed the train tracks when the accident happened. Victims are being treated at the local Midland Memorial Hospital, said a hospital spokeswoman.
The parade was precursor to the Hunt for Heroes banquet, kicking off an all-expenses-paid white tail deer hunting trip this weekend in the town. The Show of Support event has now been canceled according to founder Terry Johnson.
Shocking images of the scene via the Midland Reporter-Telegram:
