Dozens of wounded warriors were involved in a horrible accident Thursday afternoon in west Texas.
The "Hunt for Heroes" parade in Midland is a huge celebration to honor wounded service men and women.
Around 5 p.m. a train slammed into one of two flat bed trucks in the parade carrying the veterans, their wives and other family members.
Police confirmed at least four people were killed. Sixteen others were taken to hospitals in Midland and nearby Odessa, 10 in critical condition.
Right before the crash former Marine Ronnie Bearden was outside his office saluting the veterans.
"Bunch of them saluted back and clapped and the wives were waving and everything was real cool," he said.
He didn't see the crash, but minutes later the terrible news began to spread.
"They are heroes and for this to happen to them like this after what they've been through is absolutely horrible," Bearden said.
A spokesman for Union Pacific said the freight train was eastbound and sounding its horn before the accident. And the early investigation shows that the crossing gate and lights were working.
The parade also included several police and emergency vehicles.
Following the event, the veterans were scheduled to leave for a deer-hunting trip while their wives were to be treated to a variety of activities. Those events were canceled.
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