Tornado Kills Two, Injures 36 at Virginia Campground

Two people are dead and 36 are injured after a tornado ripped through a campground on Virginia's Eastern Shore on Thursday morning, according to the Virginia State Police.

Responding to the Cherrystone Campground at 9 a.m., state troopers found downed trees and power lines across the roads. Several vehicles had been struck by fallen trees and some campers were overturned.

The fatalities were identified as Lord N. Balatbat, 38, and Lolibeth E. Ortega, 38, both of Jersey City, N.J. The husband and wife were in a tent when a tree fell on it, according to police. 

Their 13-year-old son was in a nearby tent that was also struck by a tree. He was transported to the hospital with injuries. His condition was not released.

The 36 injured were transported to nearby hospitals and the majority of them were treated and released. Other campground visitors were transported to a nearby school for shelter and American Red Cross is assisting.

State troopers also responded to an overturned tractor-trailer in the area. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

The Washington Post notes that neighborhoods around the campground where also hit by the storm. There have been no other reports of injuries, according to state police.

And the U.S. Coast Guard responded to calls of boats overturned in the water in the area, according to WTOP.

Gov. Terry Mcauliffe said in a statement, “We are all saddened by the reports of injuries and lives lost in this storm and will continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to the Virginia families who were affected, along with whatever support is necessary to help these communities move forward."