Updated January 16th, 2020 at 15:54 IST

Horrifying video shows students running as storm rips through school

Horrific footage of a group of students running for their lives as a huge storm crashed through the walls of a school gymnasium has surfaced on the internet.

Reported by: Bhavya Sukheja
| Image:self
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Horrific footage of a group of students running for their lives as a huge storm crashed through the walls of a school gymnasium has surfaced on the internet. According to international media reports, three students have also been injured and the storm left a gaping hole in the roof and wall and debris all around. The video captured the moment in which a group of more than a dozen students playing in the gym at the Union Intermediate School before running to safety. 

READ: Chicago: Over 1,000 Flights Cancelled As Winter Storm Hit The Area With Heavy Winds

The clip shows the children fleeing for the exits as the walls are torn to pieces by the sheer force of the wind and rain. A spokesperson from Sampson County School reportedly said that the students were doing their gym activities and all of a sudden debris starts flowing in and one could see the sky. She further also informed that the three children injured are going to be 'ok'. 

While speaking to an international media outlet, Principal Dondi Hobbs said that it was fortunate that the curtain on the stage was closed, as it helped reduce the impact from the debris flung into the air by the storm. He further also assured the parents of the children at the school that the building was safe and had not been compromised by the storm as the school authorities are dealing with the minimal damage. 

READ: Officials: 3 Dead In Alabama, Bringing Storm Death Toll To 7

'Microburst storm'

According to international media reports, a severe thunderstorm warning was also issued in Sampson County. Following the storm, many schools classed were also cancelled. The National Weather Service said that the storm was a 'microburst' that caused the damage. The weather service further reportedly said that the damage in the form of snapped and uprooted trees to the west of the school structure, along with the more significant roof uplift and partial outer wall collapse of the schools' gymnasium occurred in a clear fan-like fashion. 

READ: Three Dead In Louisiana As Severe Storm Sweeps Southern US

READ: Powerful Winter Storm Lingers In Upper Midwest

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Published January 16th, 2020 at 15:54 IST