Climate
Deadly tornado streak leaves 3 dead and 75 injured in Texas town
Perryton, a town of about 8,000 people 115 miles northeast of Amarillo was hit by at least three different tornadoes in a span of a few hours
June 16, 2023 7:49am
Updated: June 16, 2023 7:49am
A deadly streak of tornadoes struck the Texas town of Perryton, leaving three dead, 75 injured, and two missing, authorities said on Thursday.
Perryton, a town of about 8,000 people 115 miles northeast of Amarillo was hit by at least three different tornadoes in a span of a few hours.
Perryton Fire Chief Paul Ducther confirmed the three fatalities, one of which was killed in a mobile home park that was directly in one of the tornado’s paths.
Ductcher added that the number of individuals injured by the tornadoes might be closer to 100, as firefighters continue to rescue victims. The number of deaths mights also increased.
The injuries range from minor to severe with “head injuries to collapsed lungs, lacerations, broken bones, said Kelly Judice, the interim CEO of Ochiltree general hospital. At least ten of the victims are in critical condition, according to a health official.
Perryton also saw widespread destruction from the weather event. Local news stations reported that at least 30 trailers and 200 homes were damaged or destroyed.
“It’s bad, it’s very bad. It’s non-stop crazy. It couldn’t have hit in a more vulnerable place,” mayor Kerry Symons said.
In the aftermath of the disaster, Perryton was left without electricity, according to Xcel Energy. Additionally, more than 67,000 customers in Texas and Oklahoma were also left without power due to the tornadoes, according to poweroutage.us.
“Our crews are arriving on site and are assisting in removing lines from cars and across the roads,” Xcel Energy said in a statement obtained by ABC news.
The National Weather Service said storms are expected to continue in Texas and Oklahoma throughout the evening. More tornadoes can be expected, the agency said after it activated a tornado warning for three counties in Oklahoma and Texas and a tornado watch for 10 Texas counties.
“The State of Texas is swiftly deploying critical emergency response resources to provide all necessary support and assistance to protect Texans and help those impacted by tornadoes in Perryton,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press release.
