VILLA RIDGE, Mo. — A tornado struck the Burger King in Villa Ridge, trapping thirteen people inside the restaurant connected to a Phillips 66 gas station and convenience store.
Emergency crews were able to reach the trapped people, who had taken cover in the bathroom as the storm intensified. Remarkably, all were safely rescued without injury, despite the building being severely damaged.
The incident occurred as the tornado hit the area, causing the people inside the Burger King to seek shelter in the bathroom. This included customers who had been in the drive-thru line at the time.
The building suffered severe damage from the tornado.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.