Tragedy At Midland Veterans Parade

The San Antonio Express-News reports four people died and 16 were injured Thursday in Midland when a train struck a parade float carrying military veterans on their way to be honored at an arena. Twenty-four veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan — including five from San Antonio — and their spouses were traveling on two separate flatbed trailers to the Midland County Horseshoe Arena, where 6,000 people were waiting to greet them, said Sonny Cleere, a committee member of the Hunt for Heroes organization. While Union Pacific officials said a preliminary investigation shows the crossing gate and lights were working, there were conflicting reports from witnesses about whether or not the crossing arms were down.

The veterans and their spouses had been sitting in chairs on the flatbeds, decorated with U.S. flags and signs identifying each veteran. The employees and staff at Texas Trophy Hunters Association and Trophy Hunters TV offer their sincerest condolences to the Heroes, their families and all those involved in the Show of Support-Hunt for Heroes organization following yesterday’s tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the heroes and their families, as they are truly the wind beneath our wings.   Read the Express-News story here.