Livonia: A devastating tornado struck Livonia on Wednesday, leading to the death of a 2-year-old child when a tree crashed into their home. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado as an EF1, with winds reaching 95 mph, traveling 5.5 miles from Schoolcraft Road and Eckles Road to 7 Mile Road and Middlebelt Road.
Incident Overview
Firefighters were dispatched around 3:35 p.m. to Houghton Street near Schoolcraft and Newburgh roads, responding to multiple downed trees. Livonia Fire Department Chief Robert Jennison reported that a massive tree had uprooted and penetrated the roof of a home, trapping a mother and her 2-year-old child in a bedroom.
The Western Wayne County Urban Search and Rescue team assisted in the rescue. Crews used high-pressure lifting air bags and chainsaws to remove the tree. Despite an hour-long effort, the child was pronounced dead at the scene, while the mother, though critically injured, remained conscious and was taken to the hospital.
Rescue Efforts and Community Response
A 2-week-old baby in another room, unaffected by the fallen tree, was safely taken to the hospital by firefighters along with the grandmother.
“This was a very traumatic scene,” Chief Jennison stated. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the victims. This was a tough day for all involved.”
Brian Kahn, the director of emergency preparedness, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the storm. “It was just a very quick, pop-up storm, very unpredictable to determine,” Kahn said.
Community Impact and Cleanup
Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan expressed her condolences in a statement, “This is a terrible tragedy for our community. Our hearts are broken, too, and we send our deepest sympathies.”
Residents spent hours cleaning up the aftermath. “Just gives me goosebumps. Hope I never have to go through this again,” said Susan Hill, a local resident. Neighbor Kevin Martyka reflected, “We can always put stuff back together. Can’t get somebody’s life back.”
Hill, describing the affected family, added, “She’s just the sweetest person I’ve ever met, and the little boy was just so cute. I’m just saying prayers for her.”
The city continues to work on restoring power and clearing debris, with DTE and local authorities coordinating efforts to reopen roads and ensure safety. This tragic event has left a profound impact on the Livonia community, highlighting the unpredictable and devastating nature of severe weather.
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