Deadly Tornado Strikes St. Louis, Leaving Trail of Destruction

A strong tornado hit St. Louis on Friday evening, resulting in five fatalities and forcing over 100,000 residents into darkness as numerous buildings were significantly damaged.

At least five individuals have tragically lost their lives, and over 5,000 structures were left in ruins following a powerful tornado that slammed St. Louis in Missouri. The storm, which struck on Friday evening, traveled along a major roadway, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees, and downing power lines. In the wake of the disaster, around 100,000 homes were without electricity, prompting the fire department to conduct thorough house-by-house searches in the most impacted areas.

The US National Weather Service has indicated that a total of six tornadoes were reported across Missouri and nearby Illinois, with additional severe weather expected to progress east toward the Atlantic coast. According to radar data, the tornado first touched down shortly after 2:30 PM local time in the western part of the city near Forest Park, which is historically noted for hosting the 1904 Olympic Games and the St. Louis Zoo.

In response to the catastrophic damage, the St. Louis Fire Department reported the rescue of three individuals from the ruins of Centennial Christian Church, where part of the structure had collapsed. Sadly, one of the rescued individuals succumbed to injuries.

In an effort to maintain public safety and minimize hazards from debris, a curfew has been instituted from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM in the most severely affected areas. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer expressed the community's sorrow, stating, "Our city is grieving tonight. The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous." She emphasized the need for immediate rescue efforts while acknowledging the significant recovery work that lies ahead for the coming days.