Violent Thunderstorm Hits Texas Motorplex, Claims One Life

A violent thunderstorm struck Texas Motorplex, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three family members. The storm caused significant damage in the area south of Dallas, impacting homes and businesses and leading to power outages. Recovery efforts are underway as officials prioritize residents' safety.

One man died and three family members were injured after their recreational vehicle flipped multiple times during a brutal thunderstorm at Texas Motorplex, located approximately 25 minutes south of Dallas, on Saturday. The storm wreaked widespread damage in the region.

Winds reaching up to 90 mph tore off the roofing of a Days Inn on Interstate 45, damaged homes across Ellis County, and overturned no fewer than seven semitractor-trailers on Interstate 35. While the ferocious storms cut power to nearly 20,000 residents, no tornadoes were reported. By Sunday, power restoration efforts reduced outages to around 1,000 still affected. Hail the size of quarters was also reported in the storm's aftermath.

Ennis Police confirmed the lone storm-related death, identifying the deceased as a 42-year-old man from Midlothian, Texas. His wife and two sons, who were also in the RV during the incident at the racetrack, received medical treatment for injuries and have since been discharged from a hospital.

Ennis Mayor Kameron Raburn stated that debris removal and recovery operations are underway with safety being the city's top priority. In nearby Waxahachie, authorities had to cancel the Tulipalooza festival as a result of the extensive storm damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)