ST. MARYS, Ga. — Over 17 people were injured after a tornado struck at RV park at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Wednesday.
On Thursday morning, a spokesperson for the base said nine people were taken to the hospital with injuries. Around four people were hurt, but were not transported.
A report from the National Weather Service later said that 17 people were injured.
A dozen RVs were damaged or destroyed, the spokesperson said. The park has a mix of vacationers and people living there as an extended-stay area.
The major point, Navy Capt. Chester Parks said, is that no one was killed.
Cell phone video from Sergio Rodriguez shows the aftermath. RVs were flipped and damaged SUVs litter the Eagle Hammock RV park.
"It's utter ruins in the RV park right now," Rodriguez told First Coast News.
Rodriguez counted several overturned homes, with one man's post on Twitter appearing to show debris in the water. Rodriguez said there were water rescues.
"They had to get in the water to get people out. There's trailers flipped on their sides," Rodriguez said. "There's some elderly people who live there. So, they are going trailer to trailer right now. They are trying to get accountability."
On Thursday, crews are assessing everything. There’s no word yet on when people may be able to come back.
In a statement, the Naval Base says there was also damage to buildings and other structures. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Rodriguez offered one woman, who lost her trailer, to stay with him.
"I am from California. I'm accustomed to earthquakes and fires. But, this is a whole different level," Rodriguez said.
All of the injuries are minor, according to a Naval base spokesperson. Everyone has been accounted for on base.
The base opened the Kings Bay Fleet and Family Service Center hotline to help service members and their families that may have been affected by the storm. Four lines have been opened for this:
- (912) 573-0434
- (912) 573-0436
- (912) 573-0437
- (912) 573-0443
