Four killed in Texas as freight train hits US veterans parade

A parade honouring wounded military veterans was hit by a freight train, leaving at least four dead and 17 others injured. The crash happened on a crossing in the city of Midland, Texas.

City spokesman Ryan Stout said 10 people are in critical condition at Midland Memorial Hospital, while the seven others are in stable condition.

The crash site in an industrial area was cordoned off by police as rescue crews and investigators worked at the scene.

Midland Police Chief Price Robinson told local media: "I'm standing out here now. It's hard to look at.

"It's a very tragic event, very unfortunate."

According to local media, the float was carrying 24 wounded ex-servicemen and their partners. It was reportedly the second vehicle in the parade.

Some people managed to jump clear before the train hit, police said.

Hours after the accident, a float was still sitting near the train tracks, a white poster board on its side and about a dozen empty chairs sitting on top.

The parade was scheduled to end at a "Hunt for Heroes" banquet before the wounded service members were to be treated to a deer-hunting trip.

A spokesman for railway operator Union Pacific said it was not clear if the train crew had seen the float approaching the crossing but that they had been sounding their horn before the collision.

He added that the crossing gate and lights were working at the time.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson said the agency was investigating.