Two twin girls were killed after a tree crushed their house during a horrific storm while they slept.
An EF-1 tornado with wind speeds up to 95mph ripped through the hamlet of Clark Mills early Sunday morning, reported WSYR.
Six-year-old twin girls, Emily and Kenni Bisson, were killed when the ferocious winds knocked a tree down onto their home on Hoyland Avenue, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
Their mother, Kayleigh Bisson, 37, called 911 to report that the roof collapsed onto her, and she could not locate her daughters.
Investigators were able to locate both of the girls, and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbor Jared Bowman told Syracuse.com that the family had recently moved into the home, and he rushed over to help after a massive maple tree with twin trunks, nearly three feet in diameter, smashed through the house.
‘She was yelling, “Get my kids out!” Bowman said. ‘But there was no noise. It felt very eerie and bad.’
Another neighbor and a member of the Clark Mills Fire Department, Rick Carollo, said he was able to locate one of the girls but could not find a pulse on her.
‘I found the mother in the front window,’ Carollo told the local news outlet. ‘I had to climb a tree to get her out.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Kayleigh recover from the tragedy and pay for funeral expenses.
‘These girls were very popular in their small town for their enthusiasm, laughter and most of all their smiles to everyone in the community,’ the page said.
‘They were a part of softball, soccer, dance, gymnastics and so much more. They always kept everyone smiling and made people remember what life was all about.
‘They walked through life smiling, dancing, and belly laughs that lasted for days. They were incredible artists that had an enact for a paintbrush and some chalk.’
The twins were first-grade students at Clinton Elementary School and the district superintendent, Christopher Clancy, confirmed two students were killed in the storm.
‘Earlier today, a severe weather emergency in our community resulted in the tragic loss of life, including two of our elementary students,’ Clancy said. ‘Our hearts are with all of the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.’
The superintendent announced that school would be closed Monday due to the storm, and then counselors would be available for students on Tuesday.
Separately, another person was killed when a second tree collapsed as a result of the storm.
Shelly Johnson, 50, died after a tree crashed through her roof while she lay in bed, according to the sheriff’s office.
Photos showed the storm had done extensive damage in the area, knocking down trees, utility poles and wires.
Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed she spoke with Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. and declared a state of emergency in 32 counties due to the intense storms and forecasted extreme heat.
