MAJOR COUNTY, Okla. –
A mother and her daughter were killed after their vehicle was struck by what authorities believe was a tornado during severe weather in Major County, according to the sheriff.
Major County Sheriff Anthony Robinson said the two were inside a vehicle on Highway 60 when the storm moved through the area. Investigators believe the vehicle was hit directly by a tornado.
“I know that they had been on cellular phone with one of their family members and lost connection. We believe that the vehicle was hit directly with a tornado,” Robinson said.
Authorities were able to locate the vehicle after the phone signal was traced.
“We had several agencies out here. We had Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma game wardens, Major County Sheriff’s Office,” Robinson said. “The information got out there, I believe. OHP actually pinged the cell phone, which is how we located them.”
Robinson said he did not know where the victims had been traveling to or from when the storm hit.
Storm Damage Reported Across County
Emergency crews from several agencies responded as storms moved quickly through the area.
“The storms came in fast and hard, and we just kind of like playing phone tag and just kind of checking on everybody and communicate in that way,” Robinson said.
In addition to the fatal crash, authorities reported other storm-related damage across the county.
A semi-truck rolled over on Highway 412, though officials did not report any injuries from that crash.
Robinson also said crews are dealing with widespread power line damage.
“In speaking with the power company crews, they believe there’s about 3 miles of power lines that were down,” Robinson said.
Authorities also reported some structural damage in Cleo Springs and possibly additional damage farther north. Despite the severe weather, Robinson said no other injuries had been reported.
“None that we know of,” he said.
Sheriff Asks Drivers To Avoid Highway 60
Robinson said situations like this are difficult for first responders and the community.
“Anytime we have a situation like this, it’s pretty hard on us. I mean, we’re human beings just like anybody else. We have a job to do and we’re trying to do that to the best of our ability,” Robinson said.
He said the community has come together in response to the storm.
“I think overall we’re doing pretty well. We’re a very tight-knit community. So a lot of our folks, they work Volunteer Fire Department and stuff like that. So we’re all involved in emergency services and everybody comes out whenever we have severe weather like this and does storm watching and watches out for one another,” Robinson said.
Authorities are asking drivers to avoid Highway 60 while crews work to repair damaged power lines.
“For the most part, the biggest help that we can have right now is just for people to choose a different route other than Hwy. 60,” Robinson said.
Robinson also shared condolences for the victims’ family.
“I’d like to express heartfelt sincere prayers and condolences for the family as they go through this,” he said.
