One individual has passed away, and at least four individuals have sustained severe injuries following a tornado that hit an area located just 10 miles north of Paris.
The Val d’Oise region in France was struck by a sudden and unusually intense tornado, causing three cranes to collapse and roofs to be ripped off by powerful winds. Shocking footage captured the moment the cranes fell to the ground consecutively.
Emergency responders, including 80 firefighters, 50 police officers, and 20 ambulance service members, were deployed to residential neighborhoods in Ermont to manage the aftermath of the tornado.
Tragically, the deceased victim, a 23-year-old construction worker, was identified as someone who was on-site during the tornado. The public prosecutor of Pontoise confirmed the fatality and stated that there were a total of ten victims.
As the cleanup operation continues, roads and railway lines leading out of the affected area north of Paris remain closed. The tornado struck around 5:45 pm local time.
According to the Keraunos observatory, the tornado was likely a result of a supercell-type storm, characterized by a rotating updraft of circulating air capable of producing severe weather conditions like large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
French interior minister Laurent Nunez took to Twitter to express his condolences for the deceased victim, the injured individuals, and the affected communities in Val d’Oise. He emphasized the need for ongoing support for the emergency services and residents impacted by the tornado.