Killer Tornadoes Strike Alabama

Violent storms have struck the South today, particularly in Alabama where at least seven people dead -- including five students at Enterprise High School in the lower part of the state. Early reports had the school death toll at 15.

Richardson said a higher number of deaths at the school was reported erroneously earlier in the evening because of "mis­communication at the site." But she said search and rescue ef­forts were continuing in Enter­prise Thursday night, and the number of dead could rise.

City officials in Enterprise at a news 6:30 p.m. news conference confirmed no deaths but said many were injured.

The deaths came as heavy thunderstorms sped through Alabama, spawning tornadoes and leaving widespread damage.

Worst hit was Enterprise, where a hallway at Enterprise High School collapsed and the downtown suffered heavy damage. More than 40 people were injured, Richardson said.Wilcox County Commissioner Mark Curl said one person died in the town of Miller's Ferry.

Students at Enterprise High were taken from the school in more than a dozen ambulances. Eleventh-grader Francisco Paulino said students had been sent to the halls for safety just before the winds struck.

"Most of the third hall was blown in by the wind," said Paulino, whose arm was injured. He said some students were trapped under debris and others were helping get them out.

Let's hope some of the presumed fatalities are found safe, or at least only slightly injured. Our prayers go out to the familes and those affected today. Wish for the best.