Weather
1 Dead After Centennial Christian Church Collapses During Tornado in St. Louis City
A powerful line of storms, believed to include a tornado, swept through St. Louis on Friday, causing widespread damage—including the tragic collapse of the historic Centennial Christian Church in the city’s Fountain Park neighborhood.
The church, located at the intersection of Fountain and Aubert Avenues in St. Louis City, partially collapsed during the height of the storm, trapping three people inside.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene and were able to rescue two individuals. Sadly, one person was pronounced dead at the site.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending family notification.
Centennial Christian Church has stood as a pillar in the community for generations, known not only for its architectural significance but also for its longstanding role in serving local families and fostering community unity.
The building’s sudden collapse has deeply shaken residents and congregation members alike.
City engineers and emergency management officials are currently investigating the cause of the structural failure, with preliminary assessments pointing to extensive damage caused by the severe weather system.
The site has been secured and remains closed to the public as investigations continue.
“This is not just a loss of life—it’s a loss for the entire community,” said a city spokesperson. “Centennial Christian Church has long been a beacon of faith and service, and this tragedy touches everyone who called it home.”
Condolences have poured in from across the region as friends, family, and church members grieve the loss.
City leaders have extended their support and are working to assess damage and ensure the safety of surrounding structures.
The city urges residents to continue monitoring weather alerts and to report any signs of structural damage in the aftermath of the storm.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Emergency responders are working multiple rescue calls after a confirmed tornado touched down west of Bloomington and moved directly toward the city, prompting urgent shelter warnings across the region.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Clear Creek until 7:30 p.m. EST, describing the situation as particularly dangerous.
The tornado was confirmed on the ground approximately eight miles west of Bloomington and moving east at an estimated 40 miles per hour.
Authorities report that multiple homes have sustained significant damage, with early indications that several individuals may be trapped inside residences impacted by the storm.
Emergency crews are actively conducting search and rescue operations in affected neighborhoods.
Communities directly in the projected path included Bloomington, Ellettsville, the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, Solsberry, and Whitehall.
Meteorologists warned that the storm was capable of producing destructive winds and hail up to the size of ping pong balls. Officials emphasized that the tornado posed a serious threat to life and property.
Residents in the warned area were urged to seek shelter immediately — preferably in a basement or on the lowest level of a sturdy structure, inside an interior room away from windows.
Authorities stressed not to delay action while waiting for visual confirmation of the tornado.
Emergency management officials continue to monitor the storm’s track and assess damage. Additional updates are expected as response efforts continue and more information becomes available.