Rescuers amputate Alabama tornado victim’s leg to free him from tree that crashed onto house
Updated Feb 05, 2021;
Posted Feb 05, 2021
Fultondale father Arnoldo Vasquez-Hernandez was critically injured while saving his daughter s life in the Jan. 25, 2021 tornado. The family lost most everything in the storm. (Contributed)
Facebook Share
It was a rescue scenario like no other, truly a matter of life and death.
An EF-3 tornado with estimated winds of 150 mph blew through Fultondale, decimating entire neighborhoods and toppling a 100-year-old oak tree that landed on the leg of Arnoldo Vasquez-Hernandez as he was shepherding his wife and three children to the basement of their Lykes Boulevard home.
Tools and wood donations needed to help in Fultondale
Storm donation center in Fultondale By Christina Chambers | January 28, 2021 at 5:58 PM CST - Updated January 28 at 6:00 PM
FULTONDALE, Ala. (WBRC) - Pillows, blankets, coats, any kind of food item and hygiene products, officials at Fultondale City Hall say it’s all needed, but there is one thing at the top of the list that will go a long way.
On Thursday, strangers, neighbors, friends, and families from across the state and even the nation have been dropping off donations to help those families in need at Fultondale City Hall. Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie says the biggest items needed are nonperishable food items and building supplies like wood and tools.
UpdatedWed, Jan 27, 2021 at 3:59 pm CT
Reply
Gov. Kay Ivey visited Fultondale Wednesday to survey damage from Monday night s tornado. (Jay Reeves/AP)
FULTONDALE, AL Gov. Kay Ivey came to Jefferson County Wednesday to survey damage from Monday night s EF3 tornado that hit Fultondale and Center Point. Dozens of injuries were reported and the tornado claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy.
Ivey was able to get a complete view of the aftermath of the tornado via helicopter Wednesday morning, as she saw the damage to the homes and businesses in the community and the destruction of Fultondale High School.
Ivey said state leaders are working with Jefferson County leaders on how to help the 650 displaced students and where and how they will attend school in the meantime.
01-26-2021
A Hampton Inn hotel is severely damaged after a tornado tore through Fultondale, Ala., on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. (Alicia Elliott via AP)
Multiple other reports of injuries and people trapped emerged throughout the night, with dozens of people suffering injuries.
AccuWeather Global Weather Center – A large and dangerous tornado struck a northern suburb of Birmingham late Monday night under the cover of darkness, leaving behind a slew of damage with reports of injuries.
The twister was reported in the town of Fultondale around 10:30 p.m. Monday and unleashed extensive damage throughout Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency urged residents to seek shelter immediately shortly after the tornado was confirmed on the ground near Fultondale.