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Multiple Tornadoes Tear Through Sicily, Throwing Cars And Striking School As Injuries Reported



Schools, homes and roads were damaged across the Marsala and Petrosino areas of western Sicily on Friday, October 9, after severe rotating winds swept through coastal communities. By early afternoon, Italian outlet Open reported that nine people—four pupils and five adults—had received hospital treatment for minor injuries, including cuts and abrasions.

The storm struck during the school morning, leaving damaged classrooms as one of the most troubling scenes. Local newspaper La Sicilia reported shattered windows, torn-out frames and overturned cupboards and bookshelves at school premises in the Strasatti and Terrenove areas. Emergency responders found broken glass and classroom materials scattered across floors as they reached the affected buildings.

At the De Gasperi school, headteacher Leonardo Gullotta said pupils and staff had escaped serious harm. According to Open, all 273 children present were brought to safety, and families subsequently collected them. Gullotta credited staff members’ quick response and said rescuers arrived promptly despite obstacles on surrounding roads.

The destruction extended beyond school grounds. In Petrosino, two people were injured when a car was swept into a ravine and were taken to hospital. Other reports described overturned vehicles, damaged buildings, and crop losses. Footage from near Marsala’s port showed two waterspouts near the coastline before destructive winds hit land.

Across the affected countryside, agricultural sheds were badly damaged, trees were uprooted, and roofs were stripped from homes and commercial properties. Fallen utility poles and scattered debris complicated travel between Marsala and Petrosino, making it harder for crews responding to calls for help.

Five firefighting teams from Trapani province were deployed, with two additional teams coming from Palermo and Santa Margherita Belìce. Firefighters worked alongside civil protection personnel, police and ambulance crews as reports of damage continued to arrive.

Marsala’s mayor, Andreana Patti, said authorities were assessing the destruction and would seek disaster status. She also said authorities would arrange accommodation for residents unable to stay in their homes overnight. The financial cost and full extent of the damage had yet to be established.


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