At least nine people, including a schoolboy, have been injured after two tornadoes ripped through a holiday hotspot in Sicily, Italy. The severe weather saw cars lifted into the air and roofs torn off homes as residents and holidaymakers feared for their lives.
Tornadoes develop over the sea
The tornadoes were seen developing over the sea as a thunderstorm struck close to the coastline. They then rampaged through the city, including through a school. A powerful vortex was seen lifting cars into the air near a stadium, while strong winds ripped roofs off homes.
Witnesses describe 'absolute chaos'
One witness told The Mirror: "I've never been afraid of dying the way I was a few hours ago. This thing grew four times bigger in just two minutes. I'm still shaking, but luckily everything's okay at my house. Not so in other places—you can hear ambulances everywhere. It's absolute chaos."
Another described the freak weather as "hell." The tornado has been described as one of the most powerful in Sicily in recent years.
Injuries reported
Italian news website Ansa reports that four children and five adults presented to a local emergency room with cuts and abrasions. The full extent of the damage is still emerging as emergency services respond to the scene.
