17 fatalities confirmed in Laurel County, Kentucky from reported tornado
Saturday morning, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office confirmed that nine people died and others had numerous severe injuries after the reported tornado. The search is ongoing for survivors. Just after 3 p.m., Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said that number had grown to 18 across the state, including 17 fatalities in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County.
Among the dead is Laurel County Firefighter Major Roger Leslie Leatherman. The Laurel County Fire Department shared that Leatherman was fatally injured while responding to the reported tornado.
Knoxville restaurant collecting supplies for Laurel County, Kentucky storm victims
The sheriff's office said the reported tornado touched down in Laurel County at approximately 11:49 p.m. Friday and traveled across Keavy Road, Old Whitley Road and the London-Corbin Airport.
As the search for survivors continued Saturday morning, the sheriff's office said Keavy Road near Wyan Pine Elementary School will be closed until 2 p.m.
Saturday afternoon, London Mayor Randall Weddle shared photos of the damage taken from a helicopter. He wrote on social media that the reported tornado originated in Pulaski County and continued through the Oaks of London subdivision.
'Debris is scattered for up to three miles past the golf course, a stark reminder of the storm's power,' Weddle wrote. 'Please continue praying for our community and for the Air Evac Life Team they lost their hangar and a helicopter in this devastation. It's so important for us to have partners like them who are dedicated to helping us through times of crisis.'
Previously, Weddle told 6 News that there were confirmed fatalities in the area. The Laurel-Whitley County Emergency Management Office has also reported multiple fatalities, according to the Laurel County Fiscal Court.
Video shared to the Laurel County Fiscal Court showed widespread damage across the Sunshine Hills area. Other impacted areas include London-Corbin Airport, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park and the Oaks of London subdivision.
South Laurel High School at 201 S. Laurel Road in London has been opened as a shelter for those affected. Volunteers are needed to work at the warming center location. The sheriff's office said anyone who has been displaced by the storm and needs housing can call 606-521-3119 and that housing will be provided courtesy of Praxel.
A new location has been established for donations, including personal hygiene products and food. The new location is the First Baptist Church at 804 West 5th Street, the sheriff's office said.
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Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School, located at 2330 Keavy Road in London, has been opened to those impacted by severe weather. The Community Christian Church at 723 W. 5th Street has also opened as a shelter.
The Salvation Army mobilized disaster response teams to Laurel and Pulaski counties in Kentucky and has set up a mobile kitchen unit in Somerset..
'The damage in Somerset is heartbreaking,' said Lieutenant Judah Irvin, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Danville. 'We've seen homes leveled, businesses destroyed, and families trying to pick up the pieces. In the midst of this devastation, we're here to provide food, comfort, and hope—and we'll be here for as long as it takes.'
This is a developing story. or for updates.
Those interested in donation to help with the Salvation Army's efforts to help those impacted by the storms in Kentucky can make donations online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
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