'Significant injuries' reported in Indiana amid tornado outbreak, police can't confirm deaths
Several people were significantly injured in Winchester, Indiana where severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes occurred Thursday afternoon.
Despite reports of three deaths in the eastern Indiana town, state police said they can not confirm any deaths as of Friday 12:15 am EDT.
"I wish we had more information about the loss of life or significant injuries. There have been many many significant injuries but I don't know the number," Indiana State Police Sgt. Scott Keegan said at a news conference Thursday night. "I don't know what those injuries are. None of us do."
The storm reportedly also destroyed a mobile home park and a Taco Bell and severely damaged other properties in Randolph County, about 85 miles east of Indianapolis. A funnel cloud was reported in southwestern Delaware County at around 8:20 p.m. EDT.
Reports of three deaths came from police
The initial reports of three deaths came from the Indiana State Police Department, Keegan said.
"There had been information shared with a lot of different people and again no one did anything nefarious here," he said. "You say what you think versus what you know. They're very different."
Keegan said police will gather a more accurate assessment over the situation on Friday after checking collapsed facilities and talking to concerned loved ones. He also warned people not self deploy themselves at the scene or take things that don't belong to them.
Severe weather:Dangerous tornado reported in Ohio, others cause damage in Indiana, Kentucky
Tornado outbreak reported in region
Several reported tornadoes also caused extensive damage in southern Indiana and western Kentucky but no deaths were reported there.
Two tornadoes were confirmed outside of Madison, Indiana, one in Hanover and another in Switzerland County, about 100 miles southeast of Indianapolis, according to the Indiana Emergency Management Agency. No injuries have been reported but at least one home and a trailer were damaged.
In Kentucky, a tornado that touched down in the town of Milton, about 60 miles northeast of Louisville, damaged at least 50 structures, including homes, Trimble County Emergency Management Director Andrew Stark confirmed. Fallen trees and downed power lines were also reported.
Indiana Governor Holcomb offers condolences to victims
Gov. Eric Holcomb, who will visit the town on Friday, shared a statement offering condolences to all those affected.
"The people of Winchester are resilient & should know the state will walk alongside & support them as we pick up the pieces & rebuild," Holcomb wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Winchester Indiana Mayor Bob McCoy urged residents to be patient as officials assess everyone's needs and offer resources. He added that he and his wife hid in their closest with their dog after hearing the sound of the wind.
"I never heard that sound before. I don't want to hear that again," McCoy said.
Contributing: Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press, Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier