A tornado with wind gusts up to 217 km/h hit the Swiss city of La Chaux-de-Fonds on Monday morning, killing at least one person and injuring several more, according to the Swiss meteorological service and local media.
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“Gusty winds of 217 km/h were recorded by our station at the La Chaux-de-Fonds airfield on Monday morning during a thunderstorm that suddenly intensified as it approached the region,” Meteosuisse said on its Twitter account.
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At least one person died when a crane fell near the railway station, and that “many injured” were reported.
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“The damage is significant,” local police said.
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Swiss public transport CFF has posted on social media that several routes have been suspended due to weather conditions.
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Numerous videos taken by eyewitnesses show how a very strong wind blows chairs and tables from the terrace, as well as many flying objects. Houses lost their roofs, trees and poles were uprooted. Rescue operations are currently underway.