Harrisburg, Illinois strip mall destroyed early Wednesday morning (still image from video on FOX NEWS, February 29, 2012).
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency reports the number of deaths in southern Illinois has risen to 6 in a tornado that struck during early morning hours. Three others reported killed in other midwest states. The death toll in Illinois was earlier reported to be 10, but the death toll was revised to six about 11:30 a.m. CST.
Spokeswoman Patti Thompson reports the Saline County Coroner’s office in the city of Harrisburg is the source of the updated death toll. The tornado hit the area around 5 a.m., causing widespread damage.
Three victims were pronounced dead on arrival at that Harrisburg Medical Center in Saline County after the storm hit.
There area reports of a damage to a church and a Walmart. Aerial video shows a strip mall totally collapsed an destroyed.
Harrisburg Fire Department MABAS Division 45 Technical Rescue Team trailer going to work Wednesday morning (Still image from FOX NEWS video Wednesday February 29, 2012).
Fire department Technical Rescue Teams have been deployed to assist with tornado damage in Harrisburg, IL area.
A tornado with power flashes was also reported near Metropolis, Illinois.
Man checks a house and possession in Harrisburg, Illinois after a tornado struck early Wednesday. the death toll was revised to six about noon Wednesday (still image from FOX NEWS CHANNEL video).
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