2 Babies Die, Others Injured After Tree Falls in Alabama Home During Severe Storm That Leaves Tens of Thousands Without Power

After a storm with 50 mph winds went through Birmingham on Thursday night, a large tree fell on a residence in Alabama, killing two small children and wounding at least three others.

Shortly after 5:30 pm, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service was called to the house, an official informed regional media. Reporters were informed by Fire Battalion Chief Sebastian Carrillo that a large tree had fallen onto the house when first responders arrived.

Tree Falls Onto Alabama Home, Killing 2 Babies

Jalaia Ford, 3 months old, and Journee Jones, 11 months old, were rescued from the house and sent to a hospital where they were later pronounced dead. Another individual trapped in the devastation was an 11-year-old kid. As rescuers waded through debris to rescue a second lady from the house, one woman was rushed to the hospital, an official said. According to Carrillo, the 11-year-old and the two ladies were both rushed to a hospital with "severe" wounds.

What the relationship was among the family members is still unknown. On the first floor, the two ladies were discovered together entrapped under the tree. To prevent additional harm to them, authorities had to cut beneath the floor that was directly above them. Five further occupants of the house were able to flee uninjured, as per Fox News.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham reported that winds reached up to 70 mph. Additionally, according to AL.com, more than 50,000 individuals were left without electricity. Social media users posted images of collapsed automobiles with trees on top of them. There was also an extensive flooding as seen by video of the roadways being overwhelmed by the water.

Dramatic images showed the Hoover skyline being illuminated by lightning. A severe thunderstorm watch would remain in effect until 1am local time on Friday, according to meteorologists.

Tree Collapses Over a Camper Van, Killing a Man

Forecasters warned that places including Greenville, Thomasville, Monroeville, and Hattiesburg might experience hail up to half an inch in diameter and speeds up to 65 mph. As they approach the shore, storms are anticipated to gradually diminish.

Days before millions of Americans are expected to bake in temperatures exceeding 90°F, storms hit the country. In more than 24 states, there are heat advisories for almost 100 million people. On Friday, temperatures might get as high as the low 100s, according to forecasters.

Heat-related health emergencies have already been declared by authorities in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Additionally, Jackie Bray, the director of New York's emergency services and homeland security division, has warned citizens to remain indoors.

During a severe storm in Minnesota, Mark Bunney, 72, was killed when a tree collapsed over his camper van. According to the Douglas Sheriff's Office, a storm caused a tree to fall onto a woman's camper, and she called 911 yelling for aid. Mark and his wife Debra, both 66, were found locked inside by police who rushed to the scene. Due to the strong winds, many trees were uprooted, including one that was more than 50 years old, The Sun reported.