Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, March 3, 2012
(UNDATED) - Henryville, Indiana is in shambles after a tornado plowed through the town.
Three people are confirmed dead and many more injured in the town about 20 miles north of Louisville.
The tornado ripped across I-65, flipping school buses and semis.
At Henryville Junior-Senior High School, some 80 students had been trapped in the school which suffered serious damage but authorities say all got out fine.
Neighborhoods were ripped apart. Victims say the tornado came through in an instant.
Rescue crews are combing through the rubble in the search for survivors.
Marshal: Tornado Dropped Right Down In Front Of Me
The town of Holton in Ripley County saw extensive damage as a result of Friday's tornado.
The Ripley County Sheriff's Department told WCPO Friday that four people had been confirmed dead along U.S. 50 in Holton.
Town Marshal Bob Curl says the tornado dropped right down in front of him. He says the residents in the small town are a close-knit group. Crews from the Versailles Fire Department came to Holton to help look for survivors.
Four Killed In Chelsea Area
At least four people were killed in the tornado that hit near Chelsea in Jefferson County, Indiana. The victims include a 4-year-old and his great-grandparents.
The twister damaged or destroyed several dozen homes along State Road 62. One house was lifted off its foundation and moved about 75 yards.
Police and firefighters spent Friday evening searching the area for victims.
Eyewitness: Tornado Was "Here And Gone"
The town of Marysville was one of the hardest hit during the storms that sent a tornado ripping through.
One Clark County official called the town "completely gone" following the storm.
Marysville resident Debbie Gilbert tells RTV-6 everything is gone but the town is lucky.
Marysville is one of many towns devastated by the storm. Residents say the tornado was "here and gone" and some are still hoping to salvage what they can, including finding lost pets.
Cleanup Begins
Indiana Task Force One has been deployed to Southern Indiana to help look for survivors among those trapped in rubble left by Friday's tornadoes.
Task Force Chief Tom Neal says the Department of Homeland Security activated them just hours after the storms hit.
Neal says they will be staging near Henryville, which suffered heavy damage in the storms, but they don't know yet exactly where they will be searching nor how long they will be there.
New Albany Salvation Army To Provide Support
The Salvation Army in New Albany, Indiana is offering assistance to those affected by the tornadoes in Southern Indiana.
Mike Rowland with The Salvation Army says one team traveled to Clark and Washington counties Friday night with more to come once the extent of the damage is more clear.
Rowland says they have a mobile canteen to help not only the victims in the area but also the first responders. Rowland says The Salvation Army post in New Albany is also being prepared to be used as a shelter if needed.
Governor To Visit Storm Torn Areas
Governor Mitch Daniels's Spokesperson Jane Jankowski says the governor will travel to Southern Indiana areas damaged by Friday storms.
The governor plans to visit areas early Saturday morning.
Authorities are confirming at least 18 people are dead following severe storms that swept through Indiana Friday.
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