Auglaize EMA: Multiple injured after Wapakoneta tornado, hazardous chemicals released 

WAPAKONETA — Some in Wapakoneta could be without power throughout the week after strong storms and a tornado hit the city hard early Saturday morning.

As of Monday afternoon, several businesses and community members were still without power.

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“I was on scene at 3:00 a.m. at Wapakoneta’s TA Truckstop. They were hit hard and remain without power as do several other businesses. These outages could remain throughout the week,” Wapakoneta Mayor Steve Henderson told News Center 7.

Lines crews from neighboring communities of Napoleon, Bryan, Piqua, Minster, Tipp City, Hamilton, St. Marys, Hillsdale, Coldwater, and Lebanon have come to the aid to help restore power.

“Many local restaurants, stores, and locals have stepped up with donations of food, supplies water etc. I met with them last evening, and the three meals for the 60 workers are good through Thursday. We have a great town,” Henderson said.

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Director at Auglaize County Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency, Troy Anderson’s initial tornadic incident report from Saturday showed that the Auglaize County Sheriff, 911, and radios were down; however, officials were able to get them back up the same day.

In Wapakoneta, three businesses lost roofs, including the clubhouse at Arrowhead Resorts Campground, The Red Roof Inn, and Koneta Inc.

“There were seven people treated for scrapes and a few broken bones, as well as an Ohio State Trooper who was onsite at the greenhouse when the two boilers exploded. She had burns and blisters to her feet and was treated at the hospital and released,” Henderson said.

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A barn on the Mercer/Auglaize county line roof caved in with two silos missing their tops. Many in the St.Mary’s area experienced downed trees and power lines, roof damage, and scattered debris.

The TA Truck Stop suffered heavy damage, including the AC unit was ripped off the roof, the back of the building collapsed and damaged pumps and trucks. Two truckers were also hurt.

A greenhouse building at Ohio Greenhouse Company was flattened, causing a release of hazardous material and seven and a half acres destroyed. The Environmental Protection Agency responded to the greenhouse and is handling the hazardous material of nitric acid, fertilizer, and bleach.

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