Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes hit southern Indiana

At least one person is dead and another is hospitalized with serious injuries after a tornado demolished a large property in southern Indiana.  First responders labored for hours last night (Sunday) carving a path through dense forest so they could move equipment into Martin County’s Lost River Township.

Melisa Sorrells is communications commander for the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.  “You can’t get anywhere into that area. Our people are having to cut their way in.”

Responders finally reached the debris field before sunset. Firefighters confirmed that one person had already passed away before they arrived.  Electricians remained at the scene late last night (Sunday) attempting to restore power. Workers are also removing dozens of downed trees that are hampering movement along a thin and winding road leading to the property.

Sorrells says the sheriff’s office will release casualty information later today (Monday).

A tornado hit Johnson County as severe storms moved through Indiana Sunday afternoon.No deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Officials with the Bargersville Fire Department say the tornado touched down in the area of Center Grove High School around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Officials say structure damage was spread over a three-mile area.

At least 75 homes were moderately or severely damaged, including an apartment complex under construction.  Thousands of homes lost power in the area, but electricity was restored to more than half of them by Sunday evening. The Bargersville Police Department also implemented a curfew Sunday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday morning.

They urged people to stay away from the damaged areas, which included downed power lines and other hazards. The Red Cross set up an emergency shelter at Greenwood Middle School. This is the second tornado to hit Johnson County this year.  Bargersville Fire Chief Eric Funkhouser said it was amazing that no one was seriously injured in either tornado incident.