6 killed, many injured as dozens of tornadoes rip through US Midwest — video included

RT
Published time: November 17, 2013 23:51
Edited time: November 18, 2013 04:59

A firefighter walks through debris after a tornado struck on November 17, 2013 in Washington, Illinois. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images / AFP)

At least six people were killed and dozens more injured in the US state of Illinois as tornadoes swept through Midwestern states, destroying houses and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), at least 10 tornadoes touched down in Illinois. Many more ripped through other Midwest states. Forecasters say up to 53 million people could be affected.

“We obviously have a very dangerous situation on our hands and it’s just getting started,” NWS deputy director Laura Furgione told reporters earlier Sunday.

Four fatalities were reported by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Two more were reported by the Washington County Coroner.

A spokewoman at St. Francis Medical Center near Washington, Ill. said the hospital was treating at least 37 patients in the emergency room.

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