United States: twenty tornadoes hit five states, killing at least 50 in Kentucky – franceinfo

It sowed death and desolation in its path. A tornado has killed at least 50 people in Kentucky, the governor of this American state, Andy Beshear, announced on Saturday, December 11. “I’m afraid that there are more than 50 dead in Kentucky (…), we are probably closer to 70 to 100 dead, it’s awful”, he said at a press conference.

Most of the destruction is concentrated in Graves County, including the town of Mayfield, he added, according to his comments reported by CNN (in English). “We have a factory in Mayfield whose roof has collapsed”, added Andy Beshear, fearing many victims. Buildings affected include the Graves County Courthouse and adjoining jail.

This tornado is one of a multitude of tornadoes – at least 24, CNN reports – that occurred in five states (Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri) overnight from Friday to Saturday, as a line of powerful storms swept through the central United States.

As a reporter for the American television station noted on Twitter, the particularly deadly tornado traveled 370 kilometers from northeast Arkansas to western Kentucky.

At least 50 people are likely dead after a tornado hit southwestern Kentucky late Friday, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.https://t.co/ukyYOkBX2b

– Derek Van Dam (@VanDamCNN) December 11, 2021

The state of Illinois was also affected, with a partially collapsed Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville. Employees were trapped in the rubble on Saturday, according to authorities and media, which speak of a hundred people.