West Texas veterans parade crash

A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas. — AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram

A veterans parade float carrying 26 people, most of whom were injured veterans and their spouses, was hit by an incoming train on Nov. 15 in Midland, Texas. As the speeding train approached, some tried to get out of the way but were unsuccessful. Onlookers watched in horror as the train rammed into the float, killing at least four and wounding 16 others. Five people remain hospitalized. A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train, Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas.

Accident debris can be seen next to the semi-trailer truck carrying veterans in a parade that was struck by a train crossing in Midland Texas, on Nov. 15, 2012 during the annual Hunt for Hero's parade. The float tried to get through a West Texas railroad crossing on its way to an honorary banquet, authorities said.

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, on Nov. 15, 2012.

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas,on Nov. 15, 2012.

Police officers walk in front of a trailer that was carrying wounded veterans in a parade when it was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, on Nov. 15, 2012. The float took the full force of the train at a railroad crossing Thursday afternoon. Some people managed to jump clear as the train, with its horn blasting, bore down on the float decorated with American flags.

This combination of undated family photos provided by the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee show, from left: Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37; Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47; Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34, and Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, four veterans killed when a parade float they were riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing, on Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas.

Hundreds gather early on Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet.

Johnie Lee Qualls, left, comforts and talks with Terry Johnson, on Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, before a community prayer service to pray for all those involved in an incident.

Patriot Guard riders gather on Nov. 16, 2012, as ride captain Ductape leads them in prayers for the victims and their families of the veterans parade accident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet.

Patriot Guard Riders comfort each other, on Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas.