Two individuals are hospitalized following a tornado that wreaked havoc in Bunbury, causing substantial damage to a recreation center where numerous children were present, and tearing off the roof of the regional prison.
Approximately eight ambulances rushed to the Bunbury Police and Community Youth Centre after the severe weather struck suburban Bunbury around 4 pm on Friday.
Although dozens of children were reportedly inside the local PCYC in Withers during the tornado, fortunately, none sustained injuries.
The center, situated near the intersection of Parade Road and Wimbledon Way, sustained significant damage, with at least two walls collapsing amid the chaos.
In the aftermath, debris including mangled sheet metal, insulation, and uprooted trees littered the parking lot as paramedics, firefighters, and police swiftly responded to the scene.
St. John WA attended to a woman in her thirties at the PCYC before transporting her to Bunbury Regional Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Additionally, it was reported that the roofs of two buildings at Bunbury Regional Prison collapsed, resulting in one person being taken to Bunbury Regional Hospital via ambulance for treatment under normal road conditions.
“A prisoner sustained injuries and has been transferred to the hospital after several accommodation blocks in the minimum-security section of the prison were damaged,” stated a Department of Justice spokesperson.
The department confirmed that the prison is otherwise secure, with staff relocating minimum-security prisoners to unaffected areas within the facility.
Footage capturing the tornado’s destructive path through the town depicts debris, including metal and fencing, being swept into its spiral, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
State Emergency Services received over 20 calls for assistance within the initial 30 minutes of the chaotic weather hitting Bunbury and the broader South West region. This number has since increased to 50, with reports of downed powerlines, roof damage, and water ingress across Bunbury, Withers, and College Grove.
Colin and Elaine Purser, residents of College Grove, witnessed the tornado firsthand as it struck their home.
“As I was sitting in my chair enjoying my coffee, the rain suddenly started pouring down,” recounted Mr. Purser. “Then, the wind intensified dramatically, with debris swirling through the air. I took cover behind the pool table, and when it subsided, I saw significant damage, including three fences down around our house.”
Over 3,300 homes in Bunbury, South Bunbury, Dalyellup, Withers, Carey Park, and Usher were left without power due to the storm.
“Residents on Parade Road, Washington Avenue, and Bussell Highway in Withers, particularly those near Hay Park Multi Sports Pavilion, should exercise caution due to fallen powerlines, trees, and other hazards,” advised the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. “It is recommended to avoid Parade Road and Washington Avenue in Withers.”
