05
Feb
Baptist Press: “Tornado Strikes Union University”
I don’t normally cut-and-paste a whole story from BP, but here is what they just posted in light of tonight’s tornadoes at Union. Since I had not been able to get ahold of Tim yet, I am glad to see he is safe and at the front of getting “news and information” out to the world. And a big “Phew!” sounds as Tim tells us that it looks like there are no serious injuries on campus. God is merciful!
Tornado strikes Union University
Posted on Feb 5, 2008 | by StaffJACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–Union University in Jackson, Tenn., sustained heavy tornado damage Tuesday evening at approximately 7 pm when a line of heavy thunderstorms rushed through the area.At 8:15 central, news and information director, Tim Ellsworth, reported that students were still trapped by debris in their dorms. At least four of those students have been rescued. Dorms in both the men’s and women’s areas have been destroyed.
“We currently have no serious injuries that we know of and rescue operations are still continuing,” Ellsworth said. “Many buildings sustained heavy damage.”
The Union University Web site is down and Ellsworth said the school is trying to find an alternate means for posting information. Currently Ellsworth said the school is working on an alternative means of trying to provide parents with information but that power was completely out on campus.
Ellsworth reported that many cars on campus sustained damage. The roof on Jennings Hall was nearly completely gone as well as other buildings having sustained damage.
Classes have been cancelled at least for the rest of the week.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
–30–
Compiled by Chris Turner, media relations manager for LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
[…] Union University has taken a direct hit in the tornadoes tonight. Dorms were hit. We have friends and family member at Union. Your prayers are appreciated. Posted by: Michael Spencer @ 10:28 pm | Trackback | Permalink […]
February 5th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
My brother is a freshman at union. His dorm was hit. His friends are alright. I am going down there tomorrow morning to help out. Just pray for everyone there. I go to First Baptist Paris. So, be safe everyone. God bless
February 5th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Thanks Dustin and Jennifer for giving us some close-to-the-scene news.
With so many students who live near Jackson and who may have been at home… I am praying that there were no fatalities and that all MIA students will be accounted for quickly by either UU or parents.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Newest update: 8 students were trapped inside initially, and reports say that they have all been extricated from the rubble. No serious injuries, and no deaths! Praise God!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Sorry for all the posts, just trying to let you all know what’s going on as the information comes in to me.
Apparently Dr. Dockery just gave a phone interview on one of the news stations. Three students are still trapped, but they are talking to them, and for now they’re still okay.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Jennifer,
Thank you VERY much for the updates, and yes, praise the Lord for His mercy in sparing lives in the midst of so much building destruction.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:40 am
My son is a freshman at UU. One of his friends was one of the guys trapped in Waters. He has now been freed and is heading to a local hospital with minor injuries.
My son is staying with friends near school and is still running on adrenaline but fine otherwise.
My son and one of his roomates are from the Denver, Colorado area. My wife and I appreciate all of the great help from those much closer.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Mark,
Praise God for sparing your son and his friends and my nephew. Having lived in those same dorms myself, I am sure all these guys we are mentioning pass each other daily and are relieved to find out their dorm friends are ok.
Scott
February 6th, 2008 at 6:47 am
[…] Baptist Press: “Tornado Strikes Union University” from Thoughts and Adventures […]
February 6th, 2008 at 9:21 am
My daughter is a Senior at Union and we are on our way to pick her up and bring her home(Henderson, KY) She said that they will be letting students on campus soon to get their belongings. We are so thankful for the family that let my daughter and her friends stay at there house last night.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:58 am
[…] Baptist Press: “Tornado Strikes Union University” from Thoughts and Adventures […]
February 6th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
My son is a freshman there and he has been in close contact with us since the storm.All students are out and are staying with other friends at houses and apartments and with staff members.