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)
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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.
From The Tribune staff reports
FULTONDALE When an EF-3 tornado ripped through the city of Fultondale and surrounding areas on Jan. 25, many homes, businesses and lives were impacted. Thanks to a quick response from emergency responders, Fultondale Police Chief D.P. Smith said lives were saved.
“I would like to personally thank all of the fire departments, police departments, and the many medical professionals that helped us Monday night after the tornado,” Smith said. “Everyone’s actions that night saved lives.”
Elliott Hernandez, 14, was killed when his home collapsed. Smith asked the community to keep his family in their prayers, as well as survivors impacted by the tornado.
Community rebuilding after deadly tornado in Jefferson County
The people of Fultondale are focusing on rebuilding what has been destroyed after an EF-3 tornado killed a teenager and destroyed homes Monday night.
Posted: Jan 26, 2021 8:31 PM
Updated: Jan 26, 2021 8:57 PM
Posted By: Bridget Divers
Around 30 people are injured following the tornado in Jefferson County.
A home severely damaged after being hit by an EF3 tornado.
The recovery phase is just beginning following several search and rescues.
The Fultondale Fire Department did their primary search and rescue through the night after the tornado hit. Multiple people were found and treated for injuries. People we re trapped. Utilize agencies around us to do some search and rescue. Treat patients that came to the station and ones that were at the hotels that were hit, said Justin McKenzie, Fultondale Fire Chief.
Decatur Church of Christ helps with Fultondale tornado relief
The Decatur Church of Christ went to Fultondale to help with tornado relief efforts.
Posted: Jan 26, 2021 5:00 PM
Updated: Jan 26, 2021 7:43 PM
Posted By: Luke Hajdasz
One North Alabama church did their part on Tuesday to help those affected by the tornado.
The team from Decatur Church of Christ left for Fultondale early Tuesday afternoon. They don t know who they ll be helping or what exactly they ll be doing, but they re ready to lend a hand. It was the church s 26th service trip.
Credit: Fultondale Fire Department If you re stuck in the middle of a pandemic and you re on a stay-at-home ordinance or if you re having to mask up and now you don t even have a home to stay in, what are you going to do? So, we want to help with things like that, said Decatur Church of Christ Outreach Minister Cody Michael.
What and where to donate to folks in need after Jefferson Co. tornado Damage along New Castle Road in Fultondale (Source: WBRC) By WBRC Staff | January 26, 2021 at 7:15 PM CST - Updated February 9 at 2:41 PM
FULTONDALE, Ala. (WBRC) -
UPDATE: The City of Fultondale said Thursday morning that they are fully stocked on water and do not need any water at this time. However, flashlights, first aid supplies (Tylenol, Advil, Pepto Bismol, etc.), jackets and sheets are still needed. Clothing otherwise is full and additional clothing is not needed.
Gift cards and plain Visa cards are needed. Electronic donations can be paid through the United Way link, which you can visit here. The same link is where volunteers will need to register as well, which will help with organization and utilizing help.