Tiny Town Of Phil Campbell, Alabama Flattened By Tornado

Posted on Apr 28, 2011 @ 04:45PM

print it send it

AP Photo

By Cliff Renfrew
Radar Staff Reporter

The tiny town of Phil Campbell, Alabama has been devastated after a killer tornado literally flattened the rural community.

At least 12 people have been killed in the town which has a population of only 1,091. So far, an estimated 247 people have died after over 160 tornadoes -- some up to a mile wide -- ripped through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky.

PHOTOS: Celebrities Who Died In Bizarre Circumstances

But the saddest story emerging could be that of tiny Phil Campbell. A huge tornado cut through the town at around 3pm destroying everything in its path on Wednesday.

Tragically, as residents sifted through the debris today one man riding a four wheeler was heard saying: “My family is all dead!”

PHOTOS: Celebs Who Died Young

Another man was heard screaming into his cell phone: “Everywhere you go, the town is torn up – it is all gone.”

At least 12 people in Phil Campbell were either killed or unaccounted for as of 11 p.m., emergency officials revealed.

PHOTOS: Celebs Involved In Murder

Among those who died was an 8-year-old student at the elementary school, according to high school Principal Cindy Davis. Another emergency worker said a woman, her mother and a cousin were all killed together.

Tornadoes killed at least 72 people in the Southeast region Wednesday, including 58 in Alabama. Tuscaloosa officials reported 15 people being killed.

PHOTOS: Celebrity Death Threats

Emergency workers fear those totals will rise today as search-and-rescue efforts continue.

Phil Campbell residents visibly panicked as two more storm systems arrived while workers cleared debris and searched for survivors.

PHOTOS: Stars Who OD'd

Phil Campbell Police Chief Merrell Potter said: “This is one of the most devastating things this area has ever faced - you're never prepared for anything of this magnitude.”

Joe McGalliard, who lives at a local housing authority complex, said he was sore from being pelted by 2-by-4 boards. He considers himself fortunate. “I saw a 12-foot-long, 2-by-4 sticking plum through the side of my building,” he said.

PHOTOS: Celebs Who Have Battled Drinking Problems

He said a local television station then reported that a large tornado was coming from Hackleburg and heading toward Phil Campbell but the warning came just as the tornado hit the town.

Within a minute, things calmed and McGalliard went to his bedroom to look for his pet Dachshund dog, Oscar.

PHOTOS: The Name Game - Celebs Who've Changed Their Names

“I went in there to see if it took him with it, and saw bricks moving around on the bed, and Oscar was under them. I got him and left. The whole thing didn't last a second, it seemed.”

Gary Collins' Dine-And-Dash Case Dismissed By Mississippi Judge

EXCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS: Woman Blames P Diddy For World Trade Center Collapse -- Demands $100 Billion Loss Of Income

Beyonce's Returning To The Stage For The First Time Since Becoming A Mom — Huffington Post
Sienna Miller & Her Baby Bump Are All Smiles — The Frisky
Jay-Z To Score New "Annie" Movie Starring Willow Smith — Global Grind
Simon Cowell Asks 'What Was I Thinking?' After Choosing Britney Spears & Demi Lovato for 'X Factor' — Celebuzz
Anne Hathaway's Ex Raffaello Follieri Released from Jail — Just Jared
Age Appropriate? Kylie Minogue, 43, Dons Racy Webbed Dress — Celebuzz
Click Here & Join Our Facebook Page — Facebook

I am sad to say that this was wrong the last count Confirmed dead was 25+. My husband's mother and father live in Phil Campbell. Between Hackleburg and Phil Campbell the death toll is climbing Fast.

by chellshock
Posted Thu, 04/28/2011 - 8:40pm

so very sorry... i hope your family is safe.

by BlogDog
Posted Thu, 04/28/2011 - 9:33pm

I'm hoping the Hollywood family with all their millions will start donating like they always do when devastation falls outside of THIS country!! Step up folks!

by rimbadg
Posted Thu, 04/28/2011 - 6:33pm