Tornado Collapses FedEx Depot, Trapping 50 People in Michigan
In a dramatic turn of events, a tornado has wreaked havoc on a FedEx depot in Michigan, leaving 50 individuals trapped inside, according to officials.
The rare tornado struck the small town of Portage, located just eight miles south of Kalamazoo, on Tuesday evening, causing widespread destruction in its path.
Emergency responders are currently facing challenging conditions as they work tirelessly to reach those trapped inside the facility, with downed power lines and debris obstructing their efforts.
While multiple buildings in the region have suffered damage due to the severe weather, fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far.
With more than 32,600 people left without electricity, as reported by the PowerOutages.US website, and thousands under weather warnings, the situation remains tense.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has escalated the situation by issuing its first tornado emergency for Michigan, indicating the severity of the ongoing crisis.
Taylor Koopman, representing the Kalamazoo County Administrator’s office, revealed that the group of 50 individuals trapped in the partially collapsed FedEx facility awaits rescue efforts.
She emphasized the need to clear collapsed wires and debris to reach the trapped individuals, underscoring the urgency of the situation as an “active scene” unfolds.
Prior to the tornado’s impact, the NWS had issued urgent warnings to residents of Portage, urging them to seek shelter immediately to ensure their safety.
Expressing concern for those affected by the tornado, FedEx released a statement expressing gratitude that there were no serious injuries resulting from the damage to their facility.
As severe weather continues to ravage West Michigan, multiple tornado watches and warnings, along with a severe thunderstorm warning, have been issued to alert residents.
The tornado emergency, the highest level of tornado alert issued by the service, signals the imminent danger or confirmed presence of a tornado in the area.
While a lower tornado watch remains in effect for several counties in southeast Michigan, as well as parts of Indiana and Kentucky, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable. — BBC
