At least 2 twisters hit Mass., killing 4 people

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.

Four people died Wednesday when at least two tornadoes swept through western and central parts of the state, Massachusetts’ governor said.

Gov. Deval Patrick said two people died in Westfield, one in West Springfield and one in Brimfield in the central part of the state. He had no details about those killed.

The storms did extensive damage in Springfield, the state’s third-largest city.

Patrick said the path of damage from the first and more powerful of the two tornadoes extended from Westfield, just west of Springfield, and extended east to the community of Douglas. He said the second, slightly less powerful, tornado cut a path from West Springfield all the way to Sturbridge in the central part of the state.

Patrick declared a state of emergency and called up 1,000 National Guardsmen.

The storms also caused an undetermined number of injuries and extensive damage. Patrick said the death total was preliminary.