Six dead, including child, as tornado tears through towns flattening homes

10 December 2023 , 04:26

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Devastation in Clarksville in the aftermath of the tornado (Image: No credit)

A devastating tornado has claimed the lives of six people, including a child, and injured 23 others in Tennessee.

The storm tore through the northern parts of Clarksville on Saturday night, causing widespread destruction. The Montgomery County government confirmed the tragic loss of three lives - two adults and a child. They also reported that 23 people were treated at the hospital due to injuries from the tornado.

In a statement, they said: "At this time we can confirm that three people are deceased, two adults and one child as a result of the tornado that touched down this afternoon. Additionally, 23 people have been treated at the hospital." Three more fatalities were confirmed in Madison, north of Nashville. Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden expressed his sorrow, saying: "This is a sad day for our community. We are praying for those who are injured, lost loved ones, and lost their homes."

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Pictures have emerged on X, previously known as Twitter, showing the shocking aftermath of a tornado in Clarksville. One image shows a car covered in debris, looking as if it's driven through a house. The tornado swept across the northern area of Clarksville, crossing the I-24 freeway and causing widespread damage.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

The deadly tornado ripped through Tennessee towns, killing six people (CNN)

Over 15,000 people in Clarksville are without power, with many having to leave their homes due to storm damage. Local authorities are helping residents find shelter. Meanwhile, a witness in Madison, north of Nashville, shared a chilling image of the tornado against the cloudy sky.

The National Weather Service reported two large and severe tornadoes hitting on Saturday afternoon - one in Montgomery County and another near the village of Rutherford in Gibson County. Severe weather hit a rural area near Dresden, Tennessee on Saturday afternoon, injuring at least three people. The Met Office had earlier issued a tornado warning for Nashville and nearby areas.

Clarksville sees severe tornado damage Saturday afternoon (Firsthand Weather)

An additional 23 people have been transported to the hospital (Firsthand Weather)

Tennessee's Governor, Bill Lee, expressed his concern for those affected by the storms. He said: "We mourn the lives lost and ask that everyone continue to follow guidance from local and state officials."

Clarksville's Mayor, Joe Pitts, reported that first responders are still assessing the damage. He said: "At this hour, first responders are assessing damage from a tornado that struck in areas of the northern part of our City in the early afternoon hours of Saturday, December 9, 2023. We will have more information to share later, but at this point it is premature to confirm any details. We ask that the public only glean information about this disaster from official sources, as there is much we are still learning."

Videos from Clarksville reveal buildings partially in ruins and streets littered with debris. This comes after an advisory for the East Coast to "prepare now" for a powerful weather front expected to intensify over the weekend.

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S P Jones