Arkansas culture

Tornado hits Arkansas nursing home with residents still inside

  • Region 8 News reported at least eight tornadoes Friday in northeast Arkansas.
  • A tornado collapsed the roof of a skilled nursing facility in Monette, killing one person.
  • Craighead County Judge Marvin Day revised the original death toll from two to one.

Craighead County Judge Marvin Day confirmed Friday night in Monette, Arkansas, that one person was killed and five others seriously injured when a corner tornado struck a nursing home and trapped at least 20 people inside, Region 8 News reported.

After the roof of the Monette Manor Skilled Nursing Facility collapsed, Day asked residents to shelter in place and declared a state of emergency while crews worked to help survivors. According to the Arkansas Department of Social Services, Monette Manor contained nearly 90 beds for residents.

Monette officials also spoke with the coroner’s office and revised the death toll from two victims to one death, Region 8 News reported.

Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin called the footage of the storm damage “heartbreaking” and asked for prayers for communities in northeast Arkansas, an area that has reported at least eight tornadoes on Friday. according to Region 8 News.

the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas until 5 a.m.

This story is developing. Please check for updates.