Names released of 5 killed in Bollinger County EF-2 tornado
BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – At least five people have died and five are injured after a confirmed tornado hit Bollinger County early Wednesday morning, according to the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Clark Parrott.
Bollinger County Coroner Calvin Troxell released the names of those killed in the tornado. They include 37-year-old Jimmy Skaggs, 57-year-old Susan Sullivan, 16-year-old Destinee Koenig, 62-year-old Glen Burck and 18-year-old Micheal McCoy.
A preliminary damage survey by the National Weather Service Oceanic and Atnospheric Administration found an EF-2 hit the Grassy and Glenallen areas. It had estimated peak winds of 130 miles per hours. The path was 22.4 miles in length and 150 yards wide.
Several manufactured homes were totally destroyed. Numerous other homes suffered major structural damage. The most severe damage was in Glenallen where fatalities and injuries occured. Hundreds of trees were also snapped at the base, according to the National Weather Service.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson visited Bollinger County on Wednesday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the victims that lost their lives,” said Gov. Parson. “Also with the victims that are in the hospital. But also just people in general. They’ve lost their homes. They’ve lost their belongings. Live goes on.”
Eric Olson, superindent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, committed the patrol resources that are necessary toward recovery efforts. He thanked all the public safety departments that responded.
Olson said they had tracked the probability of the storms. At 3:22 a.m. they received a notification of the tornado near Glenallen. Troopers were on sceene by 3:50 a.m. They began searching for injured people and assessing damage.
At least 87 structures damaged with 12 of those totally destroyed.
Emergency crews searched numerous damaged homes, cleared debri and provided traffic control.
“Even in difficult times it certainly is humbling to see how in our rural communities here in Missouri that we all come together to work through these very difficult times,” said Olson.
Marble Hill Mayor Trey Wigington says the city of Marble Hill was largely spared, but the areas to the north and west “are pretty bad.” He says he is working to get a crew to the county to assist.
Bollinger County Sheriff Casey A. Graham says there have been questions about volunteering, but right now asks the public to allow emergency operations to handle things. He says the sheriff’s department will reach out when needed.
Residents of the Glenallen area are suffering from the storm damage but hopes and heads are still held high.
“God is good…God is good, all this can be replaced,” said Cristine Golden. “But I hope I never have to go through it again. You just rebuild, go on.”
UPDATE#1: 4-5-2023 @11:55 am – There have been questions about volunteering and although I am sure there will be a need down the line, right now please allow emergency operations to handle things. We will reach out when needed, thank you.
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Original Post Below
As most of you are aware, several of our communities in Bollinger County, specifically the Grassy and Glenallen areas, were hit with what appears to be a significant tornado early this morning.
Immediately after being informed of the damages, your Sheriff’s Office assessed where we could utilize our services most. It was apparent help would be needed from multiple jurisdictions.
After the call for help went out, agencies from all around were here quickly, and as your Sheriff, I am grateful to all of them.
Throughout the early morning and continuing now, efforts for search and rescue are underway. It’s with great regret that I can confirm five fatalities; names will be withheld until we are sure all family members have been notified. Again search and rescue continues.
Please understand the scope of this operation. I know everyone wants updates and news of what happened. As your Sheriff, I am focused on ensuring those who still need help are receiving it, and we account for all our citizens. I will update you when I can.
God Bless all involved,
Sheriff Casey A. Graham
The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri & Northeast Arkansas is mobilizing staff and volunteers to get to the impacted area. “We have been in contact with the emergency managers there,” said Amanda Smith, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri & Northeast Arkansas. “We will be setting up a shelter at the Marble Hill Baptist Church.”
The Family Life Center at Marble Hill First Baptist Church at 502 Broadway Street in Marble Hill is open for anyone who needs a place to go. Water and snacks are available. There are cots for anyone needing a place to sleep.
Many homes were damaged, according to Bollinger County EMA.
The storms caused power outages across the region. The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives reports the following numbers customers without power in the following counties Wednesday night.
- Bollinger – 985
- Cape Girardeau – 1
- Madison – 5
- Perry – 1
- Reynolds – 148
- Wayne – 28
Stay with FOX23 News for updates. kbsi23.com/weather.
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