Twin teens killed in storm were set to graduate in weeks

ELLENBORO, NC (WBTV/AP/WSPA) - Eighteen-year-old twins were killed after a large tree fell on the family's mobile home in the Charlotte region.

The teenagers were set to graduate from high school in a month -- and had just attended their prom last weekend.

They died just after midnight when a large oak tree crashed into the middle of their home on Spurlin Road in Ellenboro, according to Fire Chief Terry Horn.

The Rutherford County sheriff's deputies say it appears the teens, Leticia and Celia Arzola, were watching television at the time of the incident.

Main story: Storms cause major damage in some areas

The twins 21-year old brother managed to escape. Horn said the siblings tried to do the right thing during the storm by going to the center of the home to seek safety.

Sheriff's officials said the women died from blunt trauma and were pronounced dead at the scene, which is 13 miles west of Shelby.

Neighbor Hazel Green said Leticia and Celia's mother had just left to visit family in Guatemala on Monday and are expecting her to head back as soon as possible.

"They came into this life together and they left this world together," said Green.

Another neighbor said the twins brother told him the girls were scared from of the storm and went to their brothers bedroom around midnight.

Leticia's last post on Facebook was just before the event on May 6: "Gettin a manicure and pedicure for prom:)" An entry a week earlier mentioned shopping for a dress.

The teens' older brother was also in the home but was not hurt.

Students at East Rutherford High School said the two sisters were always together, if you found one, you found the other.

Rutherford County suffered numerous downed trees and power lines when a strong storm moved through the area overnight.

At least 10 buildings had major damage and several roads remained closed Wednesday.

Duke Energy reported more than 34,000 customers without service, mostly around Gastonia and Charlotte.

Copyright 2011 WBTV. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.