Three storm chasers killed while chasing tornado in Texas
Tuesday, March 28, 2017, 9:32 PM - Three storm chasers were killed in a vehicle collision while chasing a tornado west of Spur, Texas on Tuesday.
Officials say all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. local time about 8 kilometres west of Spur.
"Tragedy strikes our community once again, confirming 3 storm chasers killed west of Spur TX," tweeted storm chaser Jeff Piotrowski. "Now is the time to pray not share names."
Tragedy strikes our community once again, confirming 3 storm chasers killed west of Spur TX. Now is the time to pray not share names.#txwx
— Jeff Piotrowski (@Jeff_Piotrowski) March 28, 2017
A black suburban was travelling north on Farm to Market Road 1081 when it ran through a stop sign and collided with a Jeep travelling west on Farm to Market Road 2794, according to Sgt. John Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) via CNN.
The three were chasing a tornado in Dickens County at the time of the crash, where a tornado was reported to have touched down.
While officials have yet to confirm the names of the victims, the Weather Channel released a statement Tuesday evening on the loss of two of their members.
"This afternoon we learned that three people died in a car accident in Texas, including two contractors for the Weather Channel, Kelley Williamson and Randy Yarnall," the release noted. "Kelly and Randy were beloved members of the weather community. We are saddened by this loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the families and love ones of all involved."
DPS releases ID's of the 3 crash victims. Kelley Williamson, 57. His passenger: Randall Yarnall, 55. Other driver was Corbin Jaeger, 25. pic.twitter.com/IPOOYWMvdv
— Wes Rapaport (@wesrap) March 29, 2017
The U.S. weather community took to Twitter to share their condolences.
Authorities continue to investigate.
Condolences to the families of stormchasers Kelley Williamson, Randall Yamall, and Corbin Jaeger killed in a TX car crash today. #RIP
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) March 29, 2017
Everyone say a prayer please! We are fine but someone needs our prayers now.
— Kat Piotrowski (@TwisterChasers) March 28, 2017
Tornado at location now west of Spur TX.#txwx pic.twitter.com/HUIRYaoe4T
— Jeff Piotrowski (@Jeff_Piotrowski) March 28, 2017
Further details to come.