A train hit and killed four wounded veterans and injured at least 16 others during a parade in West Texas on Thursday.
The Associated Press reports the parade float, decorated with American flags and carrying wounded veterans (some in wheelchairs) was unable to clear a railroad crossing before the Union Pacific train smashed into them.
Daniel Quinonez witnessed the horrific scene:
"The train honked its horn, but the 18-wheeler could not go anywhere because of the other one (truck) being right in front of it. It was a horrible accident to watch happen right in front of me. I just saw the people on the semi-truck's trailer panic, and many started to jump off the trailer. But it was too late for many of them."
Midland police spokesman Ryan Stout told the A.P. that Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37, and Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34, and Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, died later at Midland Memorial Hospital.
I've posted a video up top from ABC News which gives some background on the accident.
