Story at a glance
- The tornado downed trees, destroyed buildings and overturned vehicles.
- Authorities on Tuesday said a teenage boy was killed after being trapped in the basement of his home.
- At least 30 people had been hurt and 18 were hospitalized. Crews are searching for anybody who may be trapped beneath rubble.
At least one person is dead and dozens of others injured after a devastating tornado tore through the city of Fultondale, Ala., on Monday night, according to AL.com.
The tornado was reported in Fultondale, a town in northern Jefferson County, around 10:30 p.m. Monday and left a trail of destruction in its path, toppling trees, destroying buildings and overturning vehicles. A high school, motel and dozens of homes were severely damaged.
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“It looks like a bomb went off,” Fultondale resident Sam Moerbe told AL.com.
Authorities on Tuesday said a teenage boy was killed after being trapped in the basement of his home. Fultondale police said he and his family took shelter from the twister in the basement, but the victim died after a tree fell on the house and caused it to collapse, AL.com reports. Several of his family members were critically injured in the incident.
Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie said at least 30 people had been hurt and 18 were hospitalized, while another six were rescued from the rubble of homes. Search and rescue efforts in the region are still ongoing.
“We want to search every house and make sure no one is trapped, maybe not necessarily injured but just not able to get out,” Fultondale Mayor Larry Holcomb said Tuesday.
Jefferson County Emergency Management officials said about a dozen schools in the area will remain closed Tuesday. The National Weather Service is surveying the damage and working to determine the tornado’s strength.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) tweeted Tuesday offering her support.
“The people of Fultondale took a hard hit last night — I’m grieved over the loss of life, injuries, homes & damaged businesses. I offer my prayers & deepest sympathies & pledge the full support & resources our state has to offer. I am with you, Fultondale!”
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