Springfield Marks Anniversary Of Devastating 2011 Tornado

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts city is marking the anniversary of a devastating tornado eight years ago.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is asking residents to observe a moment of silence and for religious institutions to chime their bells at 4:38 p.m. Saturday. That's the exact time an EF-3 tornado touched down in the city on June 1, 2011.

The powerful, long lasting twister cut a 40-mile (64 kilometer) path through western Massachusetts, including about six miles (10 kilometers) in Springfield alone.

Three people died and hundreds of others were injured across the region. Scores of buildings were also destroyed and officials estimated tens of millions of dollars in damage.

Sarno says Springfield has since bounced back, enjoying more than $4 billion in economic development, including a new MGM casino downtown.

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