Simpson County Residents Begin Clean-Up Efforts After Tree Falls Into Bedroom
FRANKLIN, KY. – Simpson County residents in Kentucky have started cleaning up after a hefty tree fell into the bedroom of Don and Debra Bennett’s home following violent storms on the night of May 26, causing widespread damage and power outages.
The Impact of the Storm
Around 400 households, including the Bennetts, lost electricity as the storm lashed across Franklin and surrounding areas. The Bennetts were fortunate enough not to be in the room where the tree fell, but the damage to the house is significant.
“The main damage was here on the left side of the house,” said Don Bennett. “It got our bedroom, but the rest of the house is pretty much intact, luckily. It was dark, so I couldn’t see anything. When I walked in, there was insulation all over the floor, sheetrock was scattered around, and surprisingly, our whole ceiling had fallen down.”
Community Response
The storm disrupted not only the lives of Simpson County’s residents but also caused substantive damage to its infrastructure. Despite the damage, Simpson County Judge Executive Mason Barnes noted that the community’s spirit remained robust.
“I would say most of the communities around ours are just like ours. Everybody pitches in, works together, builds back better, and helps. That’s the good thing about living in south-central Kentucky,” he said, a sentiment echoing the community’s resilience in face of adversity.
Restoration Efforts
Restoration efforts are still ongoing, with road crews working tirelessly to clear fallen trees from vital intersections, particularly around the hardest-hit areas in northern-central Franklin, such as Widener Circle, Huntington Park, and Monterey Road subdivisions.
The storm also lead to a 6-inch water main line breaking, but the Franklin water crews were swift to respond and rectify the issue. As of Tuesday, no confirmed injuries or deaths have been reported due to the storm in Simpson County.
Conclusion
The storm’s aftermath has led to a wave of community spirit, with residents pulling together to clean up and restore their neighborhoods. While the damage may be more than just structural, the community’s strength has shone through, indicating the resolve of Simpson County’s residents to rebuild and move forward.
