Two Dead, Dozens Injured After Tornado Hits Van
UPDATED: 2:08 P.M. MAY 11 -- The Van Zandt County City Marshal has confirmed multiple deaths after a tornado hit the town of Van late Sunday night, KLTV is reporting.
Two fatalities have been announced, and earlier Monday eight other people were reported missing. Another two people are reported in critical condition. A total of 43 people with various injuries were taken to local hospitals.
The Tyler Morning Telegraph is reporting between 50 and 100 homes were damaged or destroyed in Van.
With 30 percent of the town of Van experiencing damage from the tornado, 15 fire departments from five counties responded to the area. American Red Cross is also on the scene, and a shelter has been set up at First Baptist Church in Van. More than 50 people are currently staying at the church.
Donations of food, water and blankets are being requested, and those can be sent to First Baptist Church. You can go here to see all the areas where items can be donated.
Van schools also took a hit, and the entire school district is closed Monday (May 11). The Tyler Morning Telegraph is reporting the Van ISD administration building, bus barn and Rhodes Elementary School all experienced significant damage. Classes will be consolidated at other buildings through the end of the school year.
The towns of Edom and Grand Saline also experienced damage from the tornado, though Van took the hardest hit.
You can also keep up on the latest news and needs for the town of Van on the Van, Texas Tornado Recovery Facebook Page.