Tragedy in Southern Kentucky: Tornadoes Leave at Least 18 Dead, Dozens Injured

 

Photo: Kentucky Lantern

                                   

Over the weekend, devastating storms swept through Southern Kentucky, leaving destruction in their path. On Saturday afternoon, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 18 people have died, most of them in Laurel County, after a powerful tornado hit the region late Friday night into early Saturday morning.

The victims ranged in age from 25 to 76. Seventeen of them were in Laurel County; one person died in Pulaski County. Beshear warned that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. The scene in some neighborhoods is beyond heartbreaking — entire blocks reduced to rubble. “Five houses in a row, just gone,” the governor said. “No walls, no windows. Just piles of debris.”

Photo: Credited to Kentucky Lantern

Among those killed was Major Leslie Roger Leatherman, a veteran firefighter

with the Laurel County Fire Department. He was injured in the line of duty while responding to the emergency and later died. Leatherman had served his community for 39 years, and the department called his loss “immeasurable.”

As of Saturday evening, over 100,000 homes had power restored, but more than 69,000 were still without electricity. At the storm’s peak early Saturday morning, more than 170,000 customers had lost power. At least 10 people are currently in critical condition, with many more being treated for storm-related injuries.

Beshear noted this isn’t the first time Kentucky has faced severe weather in recent years. Since he took office, the state has endured more than a dozen major weather-related disasters. “We keep getting knocked down,” he said, “but we keep getting back up.” He promised full support for those impacted and confirmed he’s requested federal disaster assistance.

Emergency crews and the National Guard were already in place before the storms hit, thanks to an emergency declaration Beshear issued on Friday. He’s also urging residents to stay alert and invest in weather radios as these kinds of events become more frequent.

Officials are also warning against looting in the hardest-hit areas and asking the public to give emergency crews space to work. If you know someone who is missing, authorities are set up at Faith Assembly of God Church in London, or you can call the Red Cross at 800-733-2677.

Photos and videos shared online show the extent of the devastation — flattened homes, damaged businesses, and torn-up infrastructure across towns like Somerset and London. South Kentucky RECC, a local electric cooperative, confirmed its Somerset office suffered major damage. Drone footage from the London-Corbin airport shows buildings destroyed and surrounding neighborhoods heavily impacted.

Local and state leaders — including Senate President Robert Stivers and other area lawmakers — released a joint statement acknowledging the deep losses, but also the strength of the community:

“This is one of the hardest days our region has ever faced. Lives have been lost. Families shattered. Homes and businesses were destroyed. But we’re already seeing the best of our people — neighbors helping neighbors and first responders working non-stop. We are committed to the long road of recovery ahead.”

Shelters have opened, including space at First Baptist Church of London, and more resources are being coordinated by the Red Cross and other local groups.

This is a tough moment for Kentucky — one that will be remembered for its heartbreak, but also for the resilience of its people. If you can help, now’s the time.