Tornado hits retirement home in Arkansas, killing at least 2 people | Latest News Headlines

At least two people were killed and five others injured when a tornado hit a nursing home in northeast Arkansas on Friday night, according to a county official.

The tornado struck nursing home, Monette Manor, around 8:15 p.m. local time, prompting a major response from police and rescue workers in the area, according to the official, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day.

“Our search and rescue officers pushed their way through the building and confirmed two deaths and five serious injuries,” Day said in an interview, adding that it was not clear how many people could still be in the building. A state website says the nursing home had 86 licensed beds.

“We know there are other people there; we just don’t know the extent of their injuries, ”Day said, adding that other residential buildings in the area were also damaged. “It’s really heartbreaking,” he said.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said reports from emergency management officials indicated that a tornado had also struck neighboring Mississippi County. “First responders are on the scene,” wrote Mr Hutchinson on Twitter.