Devastating Texas Floods Leave 24 Dead, Over 20 Campers Missing in Kerr County

Severe flooding in Central Texas has claimed at least 24 lives, with dozens more missing—many of them children attending a summer camp—according to local officials. Rescue operations are underway around the clock as federal and state agencies race to find survivors.

Governor Issues Disaster Declaration as Search Expands

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration Friday evening for multiple counties hit hardest by the floods, including Kerr, Kendall, Llano, and others.

“We’ll put in everything we have in the entire state,” Abbott said during a press conference in Kerrville. “They will have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that Texas can offer.”

The declaration enables affected regions to receive immediate state and federal support.

President Trump Responds: “We’ll Take Care of Them”

President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, called the flooding “terrible” and pledged full federal assistance.

“It’s shocking. Some young people have died. We’re working closely with the governor. We’ll take care of them,” Trump said.

Camp Mystic: Over 20 People Still Missing

Authorities say that between 23 and 25 people—mostly children—from Camp Mystic in Kerr County remain unaccounted for. The camp sits near the Guadalupe River, which rose more than 20 feet in just 90 minutes during a historic rainfall event early Friday.

Texas Game Wardens and aviation units reached the camp midday Friday and began evacuating children. So far, Camp Mystic remains the only riverside camp with missing persons.

“We’re focused on those who can’t help themselves right now,” said Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Helicopter Rescues and Infrared Searches Continue Overnight

As of Friday night, 237 people have been rescued or evacuated, with 167 airlifted by helicopter, according to Major General Thomas M. Suelzer.

Three additional helicopters are en route to support overnight rescue missions. Equipped with infrared technology, these helicopters will help search crews locate individuals even in the dark.

“Search and rescue operations will continue nonstop, through the night and into tomorrow,” Gov. Abbott confirmed.

Heartbreaking Scenes at Reunification Center in Ingram

Ingram, Texas, has become the central hub for reuniting rescued campers with their families. At Ingram Elementary, school buses and military vehicles delivered dozens of shaken children into the arms of emotional parents.

“I just want to go home,” one child was overheard telling her parent.

Helicopters were seen landing at the reunification center, where yellow buses brought in more rescued children throughout the day.

Eyewitnesses Share Harrowing Stories of Escape

Residents across Kerr County have described terrifying flood experiences. In Hunt, Maria and Felipe Tapia said they woke up to water flooding their home and had to swim to safety.

“We got out right on time. I felt like I was swimming under a river,” Felipe said.

Flooding Surpasses 1987 Records

According to the National Weather Service, the Guadalupe River in Hunt reached its second-highest level on record—surpassing even the devastating 1987 flood.

Rainfall in the area exceeded 6.5 inches within just three hours—an event with only a 1% likelihood of occurring in any given year.

“This is a very dangerous and life-threatening flood event,” the NWS warned. “Move to higher ground!”

Counties Included in Disaster Declaration:

• Kerr

• Kendall

• Llano

• Bandera

• Comal

• Concho

• Gillespie

• Kimble

• Mason

• McCulloch

• Menard

• Reeves

• San Saba

• Tom Green

What’s Next?

Authorities say search operations will remain active throughout the weekend. Shelters have been set up across the region, and evacuees are being tracked and cared for.

Officials urge residents to remain off roads and avoid flooded areas as crews continue life-saving work.

How to Stay Safe During a Flood Emergency

How FEMA Disaster Assistance Works

Source: CNN – At least 24 dead in Central Texas flooding, 20 campers unaccounted for

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A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday amid windy weather following a snowstorm, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, officials said.

Crash Details

The CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary, was arriving from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport when it encountered trouble upon landing. The aircraft, manufactured by Bombardier and powered by GE Aerospace engines, can seat up to 90 passengers.

Among the injured, three passengers—including a child—suffered critical injuries, according to authorities.

Eyewitness Accounts

Passenger John Nelson captured a video of the aftermath, showing a fire engine spraying water on the overturned plane resting on the snow-covered tarmac.

“There was no indication of anything unusual before landing,” Nelson told CNN.
“We hit the ground, and we were sideways, and then we were upside down. I was able to just unbuckle and push myself to the ground. Some people were hanging and needed help getting down.”

A recording from liveatc.net captured an emergency worker reporting to the air traffic control tower:
“The aircraft is upside down and burning.”

Weather & Airport Conditions

Toronto Pearson Airport was experiencing high winds and freezing temperatures as airlines worked to recover from a weekend snowstorm, which dumped over 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow.

The Delta flight landed at 2:13 p.m. (1913 GMT) after an 86-minute journey and came to rest near the intersection of runways 23 and 15, according to FlightRadar24.

Response & Investigation

• Emergency responders arrived quickly, preventing further casualties.
• Deborah Flint, president of Toronto Pearson Airport, credited first responders for ensuring there were no fatalities.
• Michael J. McCormick, an air traffic expert, noted that the plane flipping upside down made this crash highly unusual, stating:
  “The fact that 80 people survived is a testament to aircraft engineering and safety regulations that prevent fatalities in such incidents.”

Impact on Flights & Airport Operations

• The airport was shut down for over two hours, causing delays and flight diversions to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and other locations.
• Two runways remained closed for investigation, leading to continued flight disruptions.

Ongoing Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which acquired Bombardier’s CRJ program in 2020, stated it would fully cooperate with the investigation.

Recent Aviation Accidents in North America

This crash follows other recent air disasters:

• A CRJ-700 passenger jet collided with an Army helicopter in Washington, killing 67 people.
• A medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing at least seven people.
• A passenger plane in Alaska crashed, resulting in 10 fatalities.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the Delta crash, as aviation experts assess safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

Source

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Firefighters Combat 10-Acre Brush Fire Near Oxnard

A 10-acre brush fire broke out in Ventura County on [DATE], fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. The blaze, first reported around 7:45 p.m., is burning in the Santa Clara River bottom near N. Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive, according to the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD).

Wind-Driven Flames Escalate Quickly

By 8:30 p.m., the fire had spread to 10 acres, with wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles per hour propelling its growth. Earlier in the week, the National Weather Service had issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, forecasting strong Santa Ana winds from Monday through Wednesday.

Efforts to Contain the Blaze

Approximately 75 firefighters from the Ventura County, Oxnard, and Ventura Fire Departments are working tirelessly to contain the fire. Their efforts are supported by four water-dropping aircraft, including a Chinook and a Sikorsky Sea King.

Current Situation

• Size: 10 acres (as of 8:30 p.m.)
• Threat Level: No structures threatened; no evacuation orders in place
• Cause: Unknown
  Despite containment efforts, SkyCal footage revealed several spot fires igniting as embers were carried by the winds, complicating control efforts.

Stay Alert

Residents are advised to monitor updates from local authorities as weather conditions remain volatile. Firefighters continue to focus on preventing the flames from spreading beyond the riverbed.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

Source

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A devastating plane crash in Fullerton has claimed two lives and left at least 18 injured. The tragic incident occurred Thursday afternoon when a small plane slammed into the roof of a warehouse near Fullerton Municipal Airport.

Details of the Crash

• Time & Location: The crash was reported at 2:10 p.m. on the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, adjacent to the airport.
• Initial Reports: Emergency calls initially described the event as a structure fire, later confirmed to be caused by a plane crash. Video footage from Sky5 revealed a large hole in the roof of a commercial building, with no visible plane wreckage.
• Fire Response: Firefighters battled flames inside the warehouse, while nearby buildings were evacuated. Several ambulances were stationed on-site to transport injured individuals.

Casualties and Injuries

• Early Reports: By 2:40 p.m., the Fullerton Police Department confirmed there were “unknown casualties.” Shortly after, it was announced that nine people were hospitalized, while six others were treated and released at the scene.
• Updated Toll: By 4:45 p.m., the death toll rose to two. An additional three individuals were treated for injuries, with one requiring hospitalization.
• Deceased Victim Identified: Authorities believe one of the deceased was the plane’s pilot.

Visuals and Community Response

• Eyewitness Video: Video shared on the Citizen App showed a thick plume of black smoke rising from the warehouse roof as fire trucks and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
• Road Closures: Police closed off several roads around the area, urging drivers to avoid the scene.
• Community Statement: Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung and the City Council expressed their gratitude to first responders, commending their courage and dedication.
  • “Your extraordinary efforts remind us of the strength and resilience of our community,” said Mayor Jung.
  • The City Council pledged to support those affected by the tragedy.

About the Aircraft

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the plane as an “experimental aircraft,” commonly used for recreational purposes. While these planes are often amateur-built, they must meet FAA licensing and inspection standards.
• This crash follows a similar incident in November, where two individuals narrowly escaped injury after their plane crashed into a tree near the same airport.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities, including the FAA, are working to determine what led to the accident. More updates will follow as details emerge.

Source

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Five Lives Lost and Dozens Injured

Germany’s New Year’s Eve celebrations turned tragic as fireworks-related incidents claimed five lives and injured dozens, including emergency workers targeted during the chaos. Despite repeated calls for a nationwide ban on private fireworks, the tradition remains widespread, with thousands lighting up the skies and streets annually.

In Saxony, two individuals lost their lives, including a 45-year-old man killed by a “firework bomb,” as reported by local broadcaster MDR. Meanwhile, in Berlin, authorities faced unprecedented challenges during the festivities.

Attacks on Emergency Workers in Berlin

Berlin’s fire department reported 1,892 incidents on New Year’s Eve—294 more than the previous year—requiring over 1,500 personnel on duty. At least 13 targeted attacks on emergency workers were recorded.

Berlin police detained 330 people during the night, with one officer severely injured by an illegal firework. Police spokesperson Florian Nath described the situation as dire, stating, “Several people standing around the scene attacked the police officers, marking one of the low points of the night.”

Severe Injuries in Munich

In Munich, a stray firework caused a massive balcony fire, which spread to an adjacent apartment. The city’s fire department also reported “particularly serious” pyrotechnics-related injuries, including:

• A two-year-old boy and an eleven-year-old boy, who suffered burns to their hands, neck, and face.
• A 14-year-old boy, who lost parts of his hand to a firecracker.

All victims required hospitalization.

Government and Union Responses

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser commended emergency workers in a statement on X, emphasizing the importance of strong police deployments and strict crackdowns on violence and chaos. “The many arrests in Berlin and renewed attacks on officers show that this crackdown was absolutely necessary,” she stated.

Christine Behle, deputy chairwoman of the first responders’ union, condemned the violence:

“It is unacceptable that people working for the common good are repeatedly targeted. Violence against public service employees must never be accepted as an occupational hazard.”

Concerns Over Illegal Fireworks

The German Pyrotechnics Association (BVPK) highlighted the dangers of illegal and homemade fireworks. Board member Ingo Schubert clarified, “These dangerous crafts have nothing to do with legal and tested fireworks from licensed retailers.”

Environmental Calls for a Ban

Deutsche Umwelthilfe, a German environmental organization, reiterated its plea for a nationwide ban on the private sale of fireworks. In a statement, the group described New Year’s Eve as “a night of horror for countless people” and urged immediate action.

This New Year’s Eve, intended for celebration, has raised urgent questions about safety, legality, and tradition in Germany’s use of fireworks. The debate over stricter regulations is sure to intensify as the nation reflects on this tragic night.

Source

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