Last night (July 8) a tornado touched down near Dillberry Lake, AB. The aftermath had resources responding from Lloydminster and as far away as Edmonton and Cold Lake. Lloydminster RCMP, Lloyd Rescue Squad (LRS) and Paramedics from our community were requested.
LRS Chief, Norm Namur said the request for their services came directly from Lloydminster RCMP shortly after 9:30. They grouped their equipment and four members took the nearly hour drive to the provincial park.
“We were able to provide specialized equipment,” stated Chief Norm Namur. “For example we were able to provide our air boat, we didn’t know at that point if there was anyone in any watercraft that was in need of assistance.
The Tornado was originally on the ground south of Paradise Valley and headed towards Dillberry Lake. The damage at the park where Namur and his four crew members were was extensive.
“The twisted and snapped trees were down all over the place,” said Namur. “They had at some point blocked the roadways, however, that was cleared by someone before we got there.”
“We were given a sector to search and while using our side-by-side, which made it quicker, we were able to clear it.”
He was happy to report, everyone was accounted for, something RCMP also confirmed this morning.
Lloydminster RCMP S/Sgt. Bruce MacLean stated our detachment supplied a few officers to the Dillberry response as well.
In the past our community has provided officers for G7 meetings, etc. when tasked by RCMP headquarters to assist.
RCMP “K” division advised overnight that Wainwright RCMP was also on scene.
Paramedic units from the all over were requested to attend including at least one from Lloydminster. There is no word if ended up making it to scene or if anyone was transported to Lloyd Hospital.”
“It’s really nice to see when something like this happens, we can all get together to respond as quickly as we did,” said Namur. “It’s why we do what we do.”
This is a developing story and more information will be added when made available by authorities.
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