Students trapped in dorms at Tennessee school
According to a Baptist Press e-mail bulletin just sent out to news organizations, Union University in Jackson, Tenn., "sustained heavy tornado damage Tuesday evening at approximately 7 pm when a line of heavy thunderstorms rushed through the area."
At 8:15 central, news and information director, Tim Ellsworth, reported that students were still trapped by debris in their dorms. At least four of those students have been rescued. Dorms in both the men's and women's areas have been destroyed.
"We currently have no serious injuries that we know of and rescue operations are still continuing," Ellsworth said. "Many buildings sustained heavy damage."
Electrical power is out at Union and their website is down. The school is "trying to provide parents with information," but with the power outage, that is a major challenge.
The Jackson Sun details further damage to the campus and to the surrounding area. Nashville's WKRN appears to have posted a video report, but the site is too busy right now for the video to load.
If you have friends or family at Union, you'll want to keep checking the Baptist Press and Jackson Sun websites for updates.
share thisPosted by David Neff on February 5, 2008 9:22PM
Comments
My prayers go out to the students and faculty at Union University and all those affected by storms Tuesday and Tuesday night.
Posted by: Jamie Bates at February 5, 2008
Union Univesity is my alma mater, and it was heartbreaking to see the damage on Fox News Channel today. My prayers are with the students and the faculty as they recover from this.
And they will recover.
Posted by: Carrie Rostollan at February 6, 2008
I am a graduate of Union and my heart broke this morning as I saw the devastation to the campus on Fox News. Our prayers go out to faculty and students. If anyone knows who can be contacted to see how to help please let me know.
Posted by: April Slaton Helms at February 6, 2008
The devastation was amazing, almost like being in a warzone. There were so many miracles that happened that showed God's hand. One that stands out in my mind is my resident director Mario and his family. His kids were sleeping in a bed when the the walls caved in at the exact same time forming a protective triangle over them. There was just enough room for them to safely escape. I believe things happen for a reason and I also believe God's providence was evident in the aftermath. I would encourage people to check out the photo gallery on Union's website. It is the only way to fully comprhend the astonishing fact that there were no deaths at Union.
Posted by: Don Seibert at February 6, 2008
I too am a graduate of Union and am saddened to see the devastation of the campus. My heart and prayers go out to all involved.
Posted by: Jessica Lackey at February 6, 2008
Hello my best friend jessica yates go to that school im so glad no was seriously hurt im praying for all of you and hope you guys can go back to school very soon
from kelly im praying for everyone
Posted by: kelly at February 13, 2008
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