Circus Train Wreck Leaves 2 Dead, 14 Injured
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LAKELAND, Fla. — A train carrying circus performers and animals derailed Thursday at a crossing, killing two people and injuring 14 others, authorities said.
Sixteen cars jumped the tracks shortly after 9 a.m. as the 53-car train traveled across Florida from St. Petersburg to Orlando, where the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus was to open tonight.
“The show always goes on. I suspect we will be late, but the show always goes on,” said David Cohen, the circus manager and a passenger on the train.
Theodore Svertesky, 39, an elephant trainer, was killed in a housing car, Polk County Sheriff’s Maj. Grady Judd said.
Ceslee Conkling, 28, who performed as a clown, was found dead in another car.
Fourteen circus workers were treated at a hospital and released. None of the 25 children on board was hurt.
Cars that jumped the tracks carried staff, performers and equipment, said circus spokesman Rodney Huey.
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