At least one dead after tornado rips through Alabama, dozens more critically injured
A person in Alabama was found dead inside his basement after a tornado ripped through a small city north of Birmingham, where rescue teams continued searching for the trapped and injured early Tuesday morning.
The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at the scene around 3 a.m.
Fultondale Police Chief D.P. Smith told AL.com the victim and his family took shelter in their basement amid the deadly weather Monday night, but that they were left trapped after a tree toppled and collapsed the roof of their home.
Several other members of the household were left critically injured while one of them managed to escape unscathed.
“They were doing what they were supposed to be doing,” Smith said.
At least half a dozen people have been hospitalized since the tornado struck the Fultondale area of Jefferson County around 10: 45 p.m. on Monday. Mayor Larry Holcomb added that the city has also received about 20 reports of minor injuries, including scratches and bruises.
“There are still people trapped in their homes that we are trying to access at this time,” he told WIAT.
While the full scope of damage remained unclear, several roads have been closed due to downed power lines and toppled trees. Roofs were also ripped off homes and other residential buildings, while the Hampton Inn was left with severe structural damage in wake of the weather.
Fultondale High School also sustained serious damage and schools in the area were closed on Tuesday, authorities said.
“PLEASE stay out of the Fultondale area. This includes but isn’t limited to Carson Road, Black Creek Road, Pine Hill Road, and New Castle Road,” the Jefferson County Emergency Management said in a tweet.
“On top of road dangers such as power lines and debris...traffic is clogging the roads. Once again, PLEASE stay out of the area.”
With News Wire Services
