London, KY — A powerful tornado tore through Laurel County late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and tragedy in its wake. Officials have confirmed multiple fatalities in the city of London as a result of the severe weather event.

According to the Mayor of London, several people lost their lives after the tornado struck key areas across the region, including the Sunshine Hills neighborhood, the London-Corbin Airport, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, and the Oaks of London subdivision.

Emergency responders quickly mobilized across the county as reports of significant damage and multiple injuries began pouring in.

Kentucky Highway 363 was temporarily shut down to allow for the safe evacuation of injured residents and to facilitate search-and-rescue operations in heavily impacted zones.

Search teams are currently combing through debris fields, particularly in residential areas where homes were severely damaged or completely destroyed.

The Sunshine Hills area, captured in harrowing video footage, appears to have sustained some of the most significant damage.

TORNADO PUMMELS LAUREL COUNTY
Several areas of Laurel County, including the Sunshine Hills area shown in this video, were struck by a tornado late Friday night. Multiple injuries have been reported. Ky. 363 is closed while the injured are evacuated and homes are searched. pic.twitter.com/nEeFkZBsso— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) May 17, 2025

“This is a heartbreaking night for our city,” the mayor stated. “Our emergency services are doing everything possible to help those in need and to assess the full scope of this disaster.”

Utility crews are also working to restore power in affected neighborhoods, and disaster response teams remain on the ground as the situation develops.

Residents are urged to stay off the roads to allow emergency vehicles access and to avoid any downed power lines or unstable structures.

Further details, including the identities of those who lost their lives, are being withheld pending family notifications.

Grief counseling and emergency shelter services are being coordinated for those displaced by the storm.

Authorities continue to monitor the region for additional severe weather threats and are asking anyone with information about missing individuals or damaged properties to contact Laurel County Emergency Management immediately.

This remains a developing story.