- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 24 May 2025 05:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a tragic accident during last week's devastating Kentucky tornado outbreak, a couple in their 60s both lost one arm each while bracing each other for safety inside their residence as an EF-4 tornado swept through Laurel County. Paul and Gail Cline were discovered badly hurt in their bedroom following the May 16 tornado that tore through the region. In a report by NBC affiliate WLEX, the devastating twister brought catastrophic damage to numerous counties with the Clines being among many who were severely hit. “When they were found, they were holding each other, and that’s why they lost opposite arms,” said their niece, Brandy Bowman. “Whatever hit them, hit them at the same time.”
The couple had also sought refuge in their bedroom when the tornado hit. A neighbor who lived nearby, who had been awakened by their screams for help, ran to the scene and was able to pull them to safety. “He pulled a cord from something and put a tourniquet on her arm, and that’s what kept her from bleeding out,” said another niece, Taylor Baker.
Both Paul Cline and Gail Cline were taken to the London Hospital. While Mr. Cline is said to be stable, Mrs. Cline sustained several critical injuries, including cracked ribs, damage to her liver and lungs, and head injuries. A GoFundMe page was created in the aftermath of the tragedy to aid in the Clines' living and medical bills. Over 1,200 donors have given more than 61,000 USD (approx. ₹52 lakh) as of the most recent update. The fundraiser explains that the couple lost their house and both their cars in the tornado.
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Monster Tornado Hits With 170 mph Winds
The National Weather Service (NWS) validated the tornado as an EF-4, which is one of the strongest ever in Kentucky over the last 50 years. The tornado, whose wind speed clocked 170 miles per hour, was almost a mile wide at its zenith and remained on the ground for 56 miles. Its path of destruction spanned Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, beginning in Somerset and ending in London. In total, 19 people lost their lives, and dozens were injured across the affected areas. According to meteorologists, this is only the sixth EF-4 or stronger tornado recorded in Kentucky over the last five decades, highlighting the rarity and severity of the event.