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Oklahoma Mom Describes Miraculous Escape After Family Took Direct Hit From Massive Tornado

Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images
Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images
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By Will Maule
Author

May 29, 2019

On Saturday night, a massive EF3 tornado struck the small Oklahoma of El Reno, tearing apart homes, businesses and everything else in its path. But amid the rubble, stunning stories of hope and faith are emerging.

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When you look at the ferociousness of the swirling winds, and the sheer extent of the devastation, it is difficult to see how anyone could survive the event without some sort of divine intervention.

I’m in El Reno. I was just in a tornado. I’m ok but the hotel across the street from us was leveled. Victims are being pulled from the rubble @NEWS9 pic.twitter.com/IjZI3Jcvgk

— Aaron Brilbeck (@AaronBrilbeck9) May 26, 2019

One survivor, Gaynell Black, insists that God had a hand in her family’s narrow escape.

Recounting the whole horrifying experience, Black told News 9 that “all of a sudden the trailer shook left right, then we all flew in the air, spinning around and around and around.”

She added: “then, as we flew in the air, all of a sudden everything stopped, and we dropped. And then our trailer blew up, and then it landed on top of all of us.”

EL RENO, OK – MAY 26: A rescue worker takes photos of the American Value Budget Inn May 26, 2019 in El Reno, Oklahoma. At least two people were killed in this Oklahoma City suburb after a tornado barreled through, destroying much of the motel, a trailer park and a car dealership last night, according to published reports. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)

Staggeringly, Black managed to crawl out from underneath the trailer and reach her children — they were both trapped under debris and suffering from serious injuries.

Tragically, Black noted that her next-door neighbors were killed in the tornado.

“Their two little kids came running to us. They were all bloody and screaming for their momma,” Black explained. “So, I ran, and I grabbed them, and we all just held them, and they wanted their momma. But we couldn’t find them.”

Most importantly, thank you to the local first responders who saved lives Saturday, pulling people out of the rubble and working around the clock this weekend to ensure everyone was accounted for. #OklahomaStandard pic.twitter.com/ljskzxKffr

— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) May 27, 2019

While her children are still being treated in hospital, this brave woman insisted that God had protected her family through the terrifying ordeal.

“You’ve just got to cry out to God, that’s all you can do,” one survivor, Gaynell told The Oklahoman. “You’re flying around like a piece of paper. All you can do is cry out to God and beg him to help you!”

HEARTBREAKING … Sky 5 captured video of the devastating damage left behind after a tornado touched down late Saturday night in El Reno, killing two people. A search and rescue operation is ongoing. #ElReno #tornado #storm #KOCO5

Latest >> https://t.co/tzWbO4tlTn pic.twitter.com/7ZTb2ukqOq

— KOCO-5 Oklahoma City (@koconews) May 26, 2019

“To survive something like that,” Black said, “it’s a miracle.”

Oklahoma’s Governor, Kevin Stitt, toured the damaged areas Monday, before receiving a phone call from President Trump. “Whatever you need in Oklahoma we are here,” Trump told the governor as he surveyed the mountains of rubble.

Spoke with @GovStitt of Oklahoma last night from Japan because of the devastating tornadoes. Told him that @FEMA and the federal government are fully behind him and the great people of Oklahoma.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2019

Spoke with @GovMikeDeWine, @GovHolcomb, & @GovStitt today about the devastation from tornadoes and flooding. We are with you and our administration will devote whatever resources necessary to help recover from these storms.

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 29, 2019

A GoFundMe has been set up to help el Reno rebuild. So far almost $60,000 has been raised. You can donate here.

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