COLUMBUS, Ohio – Multiple deaths have been reported after a series of storms and possible tornadoes ripped through parts of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The first tornado warnings in Ohio were issued about 8:30 p.m. and continued through 10:15, connected to storms with strong winds and unconfirmed tornadoes. Three people in Logan County have been confirmed killed, according to the Logan County Coroner’s Office, and clean-up efforts will begin in earnest Friday.
Reports came in Thursday of a “mass casualty event” from Logan County Emergency Management Agency, with numerous trees downed and homes damaged. Police in Washington Township confirmed deaths from Lakewood, Midway, and Orchard Island. A concert was underway at Indian Lake High School when tornado sirens sounded. The school was quickly turned into a triage center and public shelter for those who had to flee their homes.
A spokesperson with Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine said the hospital had seen 19 patients in its emergency room with weather-related injuries. All the injuries were bone fractures and concussions. In Indiana, there were reports of “many significant injuries” after a tornado tore through the community of Winchester. Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter stated that there were “no known fatalities” at the moment.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has staff on the scene in Randolph County, working with locals, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to an enhanced staffing level to respond to the storm. Kentucky experienced storm damage, with at least 50 structures, including homes, damaged in Trimble County. The state’s emergency operations center was activated to coordinate storm response, Governor Andy Beshear said.
Severe weather was possible into Thursday night from northeast Texas to Indiana and Ohio, the National Weather Service said. The extent of the damage and the number of casualties are still being assessed as search and rescue efforts continue. The impacted communities are rallying together to support those affected and begin the recovery process.