Tornadoes Topple Homes In Monson, Trap Residents
MONSON (CBS) - The small town of Monson, southwest of Worcester on the Connecticut border, was devastated by Wednesday's tornadoes.
Emergency crews there told WBZ-TV they believe at least three twisters touched down. The National Weather Service has yet to confirm that though.
Photos: Tornadoes Tear Through Massachusetts
There have been no deaths reported in the town of 13,000 people, but several homes were left shredded, some were lifted off their foundations and toppled.
Thirteen-year-old Burke Cullinane captured video of the tornado as it raced toward him.
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports
"At first I was like 'this isn't going to happen," he said. "Then I was like I better get inside because this is getting really big and coming at me really fast."
"You can feel the wind. At one point I couldn't even hold my camera up it was just blowing everywhere. It was really scary toward the end."
Raw Video: Funnel cloud forms above Monson
Raw Video: Home flipped in Monson
About 18 people were trapped in basements, but all were rescued.
Authorities will continue to search the rubble Thursday as a precaution.
The damage across town is extensive.
Raw Video: Aerials of Monson damage
One resident said it was like a couple of well-known tornado films.
"My mind goes back to 'The Wizard of Oz' you know, just thinking of that movie and just holding on (like) the movie 'Twister' and just holding on to metal pipes. They were shaking while we were holding on to them and things were coming through the basement windows."
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports from Monson
A 100-foot high steeple at The First Church of Monson that had stood for decades in town is now a pile of rubble next to the remains of the church.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports from Monson
Podcast
Pia Rodgers' home was 120-years old. Now all that's left is the foundation.
"My washing machine's in my front yard," she told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
Her neighbor's house, which is for sale, wasn't damaged.
"Maybe we'll just move next door, " she said.
