Indiana officials warned Wednesday that the death toll from a violent storm system that swept the state earlier this week could increase as investigators work to confirm additional fatalities and assess widespread damage.
Confirmed child fatality, other possible deaths under review
Authorities confirmed that a 4-year-old boy died Tuesday when a tree fell through a back bedroom of his home in Geneva Township, Jennings County. Deputy Chief Cody Low said three other people were in the home when strong winds moved through the area around 3:30 p.m., and they escaped without injury.
“This is obviously unexpected. There's nothing we can say that is going to make it any better. We're going to push through this as a community. We're going to back the family with anything they need. Our thoughts are with them.” — Deputy Chief Cody Low
Jonathan Whitham, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, told reporters Wednesday that officials were working to confirm two other reports of storm-related fatalities. Whitham did not disclose where those reports originated.
Explosive damage suspected in northwest Indiana
Officials in northwest Indiana said a woman was killed in a house explosion in Portage, an incident local authorities suspect was linked to the severe storms. Hammond, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, reported sustained winds in excess of 90 mph that caused extensive damage, Mayor Thomas McDermott said.
After surveying damages across multiple counties, Gov. Mike Braun said he will likely sign a statewide emergency declaration to help marshal state resources, though the declaration had not been signed as of Wednesday afternoon.
Local impacts and search-and-rescue efforts
Emergency management agencies in several counties reported numerous water rescues and widespread property damage. In Jennings County, a second home about two miles from the fatality sustained damage after a tree fell but no injuries were reported, Deputy Chief Low said.
State and local crews are continuing assessments of structural damage, downed trees and blocked roadways. Whitham said the state is coordinating with county emergency officials to confirm reported fatalities and to direct resources where the need is greatest.
Key statistics from the storm
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Confirmed storm-related deaths | 1 (4-year-old in Jennings County) |
| Additional possible fatalities | 2 reports under investigation |
| Notable wind speeds | Winds over 90 mph reported in Hammond |
| Time of Jennings County incident | ~3:30 p.m. Tuesday |
What officials are advising residents
Emergency officials urged residents in affected areas to avoid damaged structures, stay away from downed power lines and follow guidance from local authorities. If a statewide emergency declaration is signed, it would free up additional state resources for debris removal, sheltering and emergency repairs.
- Report suspected fatalities or injuries to local law enforcement or county emergency management.
- Avoid unnecessary travel in impacted areas while assessments and cleanup continue.
- Heed boil-water advisories or shelter instructions from local officials if issued.
As first responders and state teams continue to canvass neighborhoods, the full scope of damage and human loss remains unclear. Officials cautioned that additional casualties could be confirmed as access to damaged properties improves and as investigators complete on-site examinations.
Coverage of the storm's aftermath is ongoing; state and county emergency management agencies are the primary sources for updates on fatalities, road closures and recovery resources.
Trevor Lindqvist, State Correspondent
