WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Former HEMSI chief reflects on 20 year anniversary of tornado

Former HEMSI chief reflects on 20 year anniversary of tornado

By Trang Do - Bio | Email

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the F-4 tornado that devastated Huntsville -- leaving 21 dead and more than 450 injured.

This is an unforgettable event for many in this community, especially for those first responders who remained strong in the face of unbelievable tragedy. 

It was a day that started out like any other, but November 15, 1989 will live on as a day that forever changed Huntsville's history.

"It was like a bomb blast that hit, it was nothing but rubble," said John Robinson, who was president of HEMSI at the time. 

At about 4:30 that afternoon, an F-4 tornado touched down in south Huntsville, decimating everything in its path.

"In the next 45 minutes after that touchdown, we estimate that we transported 250 people to hospitals, that were dug out of cars, rubble whatever," he said.  

It's a memory so vivid, Robinson remembers the first person he reached.

"First lady that I carried out was a little lady, she must've been about 85 pounds that worked at Goldbro," Robinson said. 

And he remembers those he came across whom the tornado claimed, a couple found locked in each others arms beneath the rubble that was Gates Cleaners.

"They yelled to each other how much they loved each other and they died. He had her protected underneath him. Pretty sad," Robinson said. 

Twenty years later, Huntsvillians remember their 21 fallen neighbors and give thanks to the men and women who saved countless lives that day.

"It just reminds you how fragile life can be. It makes you grateful for all of the people that look after us when things go wrong," Robinson said. 

Sunday, the city of Huntsville will observe a moment of silence at 4:30 p.m. to remember those killed.

There will also be a remembrance service held at Trinity United Methodist Church at 607 Airport Road at 5 p.m.

©2009 WAFF. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.