Citizens Band Together, Help Victims of Midland Train Crash [Photos]

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train. (James Durbin/Midland Reporter-Telegram)

Federal investigators have arrived at the scene of yesterday’s bizarre train-parade accident in Midland, Texas. ABC’s Jim Ryan is there:

Safety experts have countless questions: Were the railroad warning systems working? Did the crossing arms come down? Why did a tractor-trailer carrying 13 military veterans and their wives cross a set of railroad tracks at all? While people wait for answers, concern for the victims grows.

“My heart breaks for these people. I mean, it is unbelievable that this had to happen to these guys…these heroes,” said Patti Humphrey. She and her neighbors have raised thousands of dollars in donations for the survivors and victims’ families in the first day since the accident.

The Midland Reporter-Telegram had photographer James Durbin there shooting the parade when the tragedy struck. Here are some of the photos taken by him and by Tim Fischer, another photographer on the scene:

Community Unites After Train Crash In Midland