Mass Casualty Incident Declared After Powerful Tornado Strikes Near Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma

A mass casualty incident was initially declared Thursday night after a large and destructive tornado tore through areas near Vance Air Force Base and toward Enid Woodring Regional Airport during a Tornado Emergency in northern Oklahoma.

The tornado moved through the Enid area as emergency alerts warned residents of a confirmed, life-threatening storm capable of catastrophic damage. Officials reported homes destroyed, vehicles thrown or heavily damaged, and widespread debris scattered across impacted neighborhoods. Search and rescue crews were deployed overnight as authorities worked to reach trapped residents and assess the full extent of the destruction.  

Early social media reports described a mass casualty situation, but later confirmed updates from local and national outlets indicated at least 10 people suffered injuries, most reported as minor, and no fatalities had been officially confirmed as of Friday.  

The National Weather Service later rated the tornado an EF4, with estimated winds between 170 and 175 mph. Damage surveys found multiple homes leveled and severe impacts near the air base and surrounding residential areas.  

Emergency officials continue damage assessments, while residents have been urged to avoid hard-hit zones so crews can restore power, clear debris, and continue recovery efforts.