OAKLAND (KRON) — Two members of Tower of Power, a group that has been an R&B institution for nearly 50 years, were hit by a train as they walked across tracks before a performance in their hometown of Oakland, but both survived, their publicist said.
Calling it an “unfortunate accident,” publicist Jeremy Westby said in a statement that drummer David Garibaldi and bass player Marc van Wageningen are “responsive and being treated at a local hospital.”
Garibaldi has been with the group since 1970. Van Wageningen is substituting as bass player.
“We are monitoring their situation directly with the hospital,” band manager Tom Consolo said. “We will update everyone tomorrow but for tonight we ask that you send your prayers. “
They were set to perform at Yoshi’s Thursday night. Their conditions are not known.
Please pray for my frenz,Bassist Marc Van Wageningen, drummer Dave GARIBALDI for tower power hit by a train in front of Yoshi’s in Oakland
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) January 13, 2017
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The show has been canceled, management confirms.
It happened on Clay Street and Embarcadero West in Jack London Square at around 7:45 p.m.
The two band members have been taken to the hospital, firefighters said.
Both are expected to recover.
Stay with KRON4 News for updates.
Multiple pedestrians hit by train, Clay x Embarcadero in JLS.
E12,T4,BC2. 2 Ambulances requested
— Oakland Firefighters (@OaklandFireLive) January 13, 2017
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Breaking: 2 people hit by Amtrak train in Oakland are Tower of Power band members. Conditions unknown. Band has a gig at Yoshi’s tonight.
— Grant Lodes (@GrantLodes) January 13, 2017
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