Tornado uproots a tree in Detroit suburb, killing toddler and injuring the mother
A two-year-old boy has died, and his mother was injured after a tree uprooted by a tornado fell on a house in the suburbs of Detroit, United States. At the time of the incident, both were in bed.
A tornado killed a two-year-old boy and injured his mother on Wednesday when a tree fell on their house in the suburbs of Detroit, United States. Meanwhile, rescuers in Maryland responded to reports of collapsed structures where people were trapped after the tornado passed through.
Authorities in Livonia, Michigan, reported on the city's website that a rapidly developing tornado struck several neighbourhoods on Wednesday afternoon.
Officials stated that a massive tree was uprooted and fell on the family home, landing on the bed where the woman and her two-year-old son were sleeping. Crews worked for nearly an hour to remove the roof and parts of the tree and then lift the tree to free the victims.
Mayor shocked by the tragedy
As highlighted by cbc.ca, services reported that the small child was pronounced dead at the scene. The mother, in critical condition, was transported to a local hospital.
The sibling, who was lying in a crib in a separate room, was not injured but was taken to the hospital for examination, according to Livonia Fire Chief Robert Jennison, who spoke to WDIV-TV.
The child's death has drawn a response from the mayor, who is shocked by the tragedy.
This is a terrible tragedy for our community - Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan said in a statement. - Our hearts are broken, too, and we send our deepest sympathies.
Officials say that the city of Livonia activates warning sirens based on U.S. National Weather Service notifications or tornado reports.
