“Darkest Night in Laurel County: 10 Dead, Dozens Injured in Catastrophic Tornado”
In the quiet hours before midnight on Friday, May 16, 2025, the skies over southeastern Kentucky unleashed a fury that would forever alter the lives of countless families. A powerful tornado tore through Laurel and Pulaski Counties, leaving a trail of devastation that has claimed at least ten lives and injured dozens more. As dawn broke on Saturday, the communities of London, Somerset, and surrounding areas faced the harrowing reality of homes reduced to rubble, businesses obliterated, and loved ones lost to the storm’s relentless wrath.
The tornado struck at approximately 11:49 p.m., carving a destructive path through Laurel County’s Keavy Road, KY-1006, Old Whitley Road, and the London-Corbin Airport. In neighboring Pulaski County, the storm’s impact was equally catastrophic, particularly in the southern reaches of Somerset. Entire neighborhoods, including the Sunshine Hills area in Laurel County and south Somerset, were left unrecognizable, with homes flattened and debris scattered across roads and fields. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed nine fatalities in their jurisdiction, while a tenth death was reported in Pulaski County, marking this as one of the deadliest storms in the region’s recent history.
Sheriff John Root, visibly shaken yet resolute, described the event as a “mass casualty event,” a term that underscores the scale of the tragedy. Emergency responders, including local fire departments, EMS teams, and mutual aid partners from as far as Bullitt and Jackson Counties, have converged on the affected areas. Their mission is urgent: to search through collapsed structures for survivors who may still be trapped beneath the wreckage. “Laurel County is experiencing one of its darkest nights,” Sheriff Root said in a statement. “We mourn for the lives tragically lost, and we stand with the families and community members whose lives have been forever changed.”
The human toll is staggering, but the spirit of the community remains unbroken. At South Laurel High School, a warming station has been established to provide food, first aid, and shelter for those displaced by the storm. Volunteers are pouring in, bringing supplies and offering support to victims who have lost everything. Governor Andy Beshear, addressing the tragedy on social media, called for prayers and pledged state resources to aid in the recovery. “Kentucky is waking up to the news of multiple fatalities from last night’s storms,” he wrote. “Please pray for those impacted.”
In Pulaski County, the damage is equally severe, with dozens, if not hundreds, of homes and businesses destroyed. Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, surveying the destruction, expressed gratitude that the loss of life was not greater. “It appeared to come right across our house,” he said, recalling the terrifying moments when the storm hit. “I have never seen lightning or wind like that.” A state of emergency has been declared in Pulaski County, and a command center is operating out of the Pulaski County Area Technology Center to coordinate recovery efforts.
The National Weather Service reported a radar-confirmed “large, extremely dangerous” tornado sweeping across the region shortly after midnight, a grim indicator of the storm’s intensity. Videos and photos shared by local authorities show the extent of the destruction: cars overturned, trees uprooted, and power lines dangling precariously. The Somerset Fire Department has urged residents to avoid damaged areas, citing the danger of downed power lines and the need to keep roads clear for rescue operations. “This is not the time to come out and sightsee,” the department pleaded, noting that extra traffic is hindering their efforts.
As the region grapples with the aftermath, stories of resilience are emerging. In Corbin, south of London, police officers responding to mutual aid calls described the debris field as “an emotional site to see.” Yet, they continue their work, sorting through the wreckage alongside firefighters and volunteers. The Laurel County Fiscal Court has reported that Ky. 363 is closed to facilitate the evacuation of the injured and the search for survivors. Utility crews are working tirelessly to restore power, but officials warn that the recovery process will be long and arduous.
A press conference scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Saturday is expected to provide further details on the death toll, injuries, and the scope of the response. For now, residents are urged to stay off the roads, report missing persons, and avoid hazardous areas. The tornado’s impact has rippled beyond Laurel and Pulaski Counties, with additional damage reported in Clay County and other nearby areas. As the sun rises on a community in mourning, the focus remains on supporting those who have lost loved ones, tending to the injured, and rebuilding what was lost. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, the people of southeastern Kentucky are coming together, their compassion and strength a beacon of hope amidst the storm’s devastation. This remains a developing story, with updates expected as the situation unfolds.
