(Newser)
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Two of the military veterans killed in yesterday's horrific train accident in Midland, Texas, died saving their wives, reports ABC News. Witnesses say Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34, and Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, pushed their wives to safety but were unable to escape themselves as the train bore down on the parade float at a crossing. Also killed were sergeant majors Gary Stouffer, 37, and William Lubbers, 43.
- Michael, a Purple Heart recipient, "pushed his wife off the float—my daughter," Mary Hefley tells the Amarillo Globe-News. "He was that kind of guy. He always had a smile on his face. He would do for others before he would do for himself."
- Witness Jaime Garza said he got to the scene just after impact, and Boivin died in his arms. "He actually pushed (his wife) off the float, and then he got hit."
Sixteen people were injured in the crash, and one remains in critical condition. The investigation continues, but authorities say the crossing gate and lights appeared to be working, reports
AP. The float was behind another truck at the crossing and couldn't move out of the way.
