A violent tornado struck the coastal towns of Marsala and Petrosino in western Sicily.
A violent tornado struck the coastal towns of Marsala and Petrosino in western Sicily, causing significant structural devastation and multiple injuries.
The disaster unfolded rapidly after developing as a rare double waterspout over the Mediterranean Sea. One of the intense vortexes made landfall along the Trapani coastline, carving a destructive path inland.
Emergency operations are currently underway, with key details of the impact including:
School Emergencies: The tornado directly hit the Alcide De Gasperi school in Strasatti and the Terrenove school complex while morning classes were in session. The extreme winds shattered windows, ripped off fixtures, and overturned heavy furniture inside classrooms, leaving several school children with non-life-threatening cuts and contusions.
Severe Winds & Infrastructure Damage: The vortex completely stripped roofs off numerous private homes and commercial buildings, leveled agricultural warehouses, snapped telephone poles, and uprooted centuries-old trees. Debris remains heavily scattered across major roads.
Overturned Vehicles: The force of the storm flipped several cars into ditches and ravines. Local reports confirm that at least two people were seriously injured when their vehicle was tossed into a ravine.
Emergency Response: The Trapani provincial Firefighters, Civil Protection personnel, law enforcement, and a fleet of ambulances are currently deployed across the affected zones. They are actively conducting stability checks on damaged buildings, clearing debris, and treating survivors.
Local authorities have urged the population to restrict all non-essential travel to ensure emergency and rescue vehicles can navigate the roads safely.
