Tornado hits Ermont near Paris, 1 dead as crane collapses

A violent tornado struck the Paris suburb of Ermont in the Val d'Oise department on Monday evening, killing one person, injuring several others and causing widespread structural damage, officials said. The storm hit around 5:45 p.m. local time and tore through construction sites, homes and public areas in a densely populated part of the northern outskirts of the capital.

Prefectural authorities reported one fatality and multiple serious injuries. Four people remain in critical condition and five sustained serious injuries, the prefecture said. Local officials identified the deceased as a 23 year old construction worker who was at a worksite when one of three cranes collapsed. An investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances of the crane failures.

Emergency services launched a large response operation. The prefecture said 80 firefighters, 50 police officers and 20 members of the SAMU emergency medical service were deployed to secure sites, assist the injured and clear debris. Authorities set up temporary shelters for displaced residents, and dozens of people were evacuated to a nearby gymnasium, the town hall said. Residents were urged to avoid nonessential travel...