Jefferson Fire officials say two people have died and five others were injured when a tornado moved through a rural area northeast of Texico. There was heavy damage to two mobile homes and a third residence, all in a line that stretched for about three-quarters of a mile. One female victim was found in the debris field outside her mobile home. The second was found inside the remains of her mobile home. Both were pronounced dead on the scene by Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse. Their names have not been released pending notification of family.
Preliminary information indicates that three of the five injured were trying to assist the female occupant of one of the homes in getting out when the storm hit. The three were all transported by ambulance to Mt. Vernon Hospitals. Another person was being taken by private vehicle to a hospital when a Jefferson Fire fireman headed back to the scene located them. A Mt. Vernon Police officer escorted the vehicle the rest of the way to Crossroads Hospital.
In addition to the three homes destroyed, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard says numerous other homes received damage. He reported at least 3 roads were blocked by a large amount of downed trees. Power lines were reported down at multiple locations, but power has been restored at most of them. Bullard says people who do not have emergency business in the northeast section of Jefferson County should avoid this area.
The Sheriff and his staff are thanking all first responders and volunteers who assisted with search-and-rescue efforts on Sunday evening. He says the department sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic event.
A tornado warning was in effect for the area when the storm hit at about 5:15 pm.
Not much is left after a tornado that crossed the Dix-Texico area of northern Marion County destroyed this mobile home. Photo by Duane Auker.
A tornado as it makes its way across the Texico area of northern Jefferson County late Sunday afternoon. Photo by Lori Simmons.
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Picture: Jason Franke Texaco tornado
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