Severe Storms Kill Three In Ohio And Indiana
A series of severe storms hit Indiana and Ohio on Thursday, with at least one tornado reported to have been spotted. Three deaths have been reported in Logan County, Ohio, although no fatalities have been reported in Indiana. The storms have wreaked havoc in both states, with at least 38 people injured in Indiana and more than 20 in Ohio.
Tornado destroys homes in Indiana
Authorities reported that at least one tornado hit the towns of Winchester and Selma in Indiana, resulting in the complete destruction of some homes and buildings that prompted search and rescue efforts for people who may be trapped in the wreckage. Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter stated that Indiana Task Force 1 would be assisting in the rescue process. Carter stated, "There have been many significant injuries but I don’t know the number, I don’t know where they are. I don't know what those injuries are." The National Weather Service could not confirm if it was a tornado that hit Winchester, but stated that it was “likely” based on the damage and images taken by residents of the town.
Three deaths reported in Ohio
Radar signals in Ohio suggest that the debris was being lifted as high as 15,000 feet into the air, which the weather service in Wilmington, Ohio says indicated the presence of a strong tornado. Approximately 19 people were treated for weather-related injuries at the Mary Rutan Health facility in Logan County, however there are likely more injuries that will surface as the damage is cleared with three deaths already being reported.
Swift emergency response following severe storms
While the storms caused widespread chaos, emergency responders acted swiftly to aid affected communities. Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Winchester reported treating 39 patients from the storms. Despite the devastation, there is relief that the death toll wasn't as high as initially feared, with three deaths that were originally reported in Indiana being found to not be fatalities. Carter expressed gratitude for the revised information, stating, "The good news is, is at this point in time we don't know….. I thought the death toll would be in excess of 20 or 25 people, based on the information that I was receiving."
