Authorities Searching Debris for Victims, Watching for Looters in Nappanee

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Authorities Searching Debris for Victims, Watching for Looters in Nappanee

A tornado and high winds that blew through Nappanee Thursday night, Oct. 18, 2007, caused massive destruction to buildings. Indiana State Police spokesman Tony Slocum said officers are still searching debris and buildings. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 19, 2007 at 12:06 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 24, 2007 at 7:23 PM EST

(SBT24/7News) A tornado and high winds that blew through Nappanee Thursday night caused massive destruction to buildings and has left 700 people without power.

Official said Friday at a morning press conference that 200 to 250 buildings are damaged, and of those, about 100 are severely damaged to totally destroyed.

Franklin Coach, a 67-year-old family company that manufactures travel trailers, campers, motor homes and other recreation vehicles, may not reopen because of the extensive damage they sustained. Gulf Stream Coach & Fairmont Homes suffered limited damage.

Indiana State Police spokesman Tony Slocum said officers are still searching debris and buildings. He confirmed some looting and said one person was arrested at a gas station convenience store on U.S. 6 Friday morning.

Five people have minor injuries, according to officials, the extent of which are unknown. No fatalities have been reported.

The city of Nappanee is still in a state of emergency, officials said, and residents are asked to stay inside their homes except in an emergency. Residents who leave are subject to arrest.

All businesses are asked to remain closed, although some are open, such as the Martin’s grocery store on County Road 7, some supply-type businesses, and hardware stores.

Officials had initially reported 4,000 homes without power, but that number has been reduced to 700 homes. Power should be restored by Friday afternoon.

A boil order is also in effect until further notice.

Road closings:


  • U.S. 6 from Indiana 15 to Indiana 19

  • Indiana 19 from County Road 46 to 1350 north in Kosciusko County

For help:

  • Nature’s Way, an organization that deals with animal issues, say residents can call with animal concerns at (574) 773-7773.

  • Residents who need food, water or bedding assistance are asked to contact the American Red Cross at 574-293-6519. A shelter has been set up at Nappanee Missionary Church on Indiana 19 for that purpose.

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