One Dead, Four Seriously Hurt as Tornado Tears Through Town Near Paris
Apocalyptic Tornado Wrecks Ermont
A violent tornado ripped through Ermont in the Val-d’Oise region north of Paris, causing chaos and destruction. The twister tore off roofs, toppled cranes, and uprooted trees in scenes described as “apocalyptic”.
Tragically, one person was killed and four others are fighting for their lives after the storm hit around 5.45pm local time on Monday. Authorities have not yet released details on the fatality.
Video footage shows cranes crashing to the ground and families cowering inside their homes as debris was hurled across the town.
Massive Emergency Response
The prefecture of Val-d’Oise confirmed: “One person has died, four are in critical condition, and five are in relative condition.”
About 80 firefighters, 50 police officers, and 20 emergency medics rushed to the scene to tackle the damage and assist victims.
Witnesses filmed desperate motorists scrambling to escape the tornado’s path as branches and debris fell like deadly missiles.
“Apocalyptic scenes on the A115 Ermont side today but magnificent mutual aid to lift a motorcyclist and clear the entire road of fallen trees,” one witness wrote on social media.
Authorities Issue Safety Warnings
The Ermont town hall posted on social media: “Following the brief but violent storm many trees were uprooted. Technical teams and police officers are working to secure and clear affected areas.”
The Val-d’Oise prefecture urged locals to stay cautious and avoid non-essential travel, adding: “Let emergency vehicles pass. Security forces are engaged alongside rescue services.”
Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, expressed sympathy, saying on X: “Thoughts for the inhabitants of Val-d’Oise, victims of a violent tornado. The Region will support the affected communities.”
Deadly Tornadoes Are Rare in France
This is the first fatal tornado in the region since August 3, 2008, when a tornado in Hautmont killed three people and injured 18.
