Photos courtesy of Baxter County Sheriff’s Office
A woman was found dead, and 17 others in Baxter County were injured following Sunday’s early morning storms. The body of 73-year-old Patricia Anne Sontag was located near Salesville. Six of the injured individuals were pediatric patients, and one was transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
According to Sheriff John Montgomery, storms began hitting Baxter County shortly after a tornado warning was issued around 4. The sheriff’s office began receiving multiple reports of damaged property and power lines and fallen trees blocking roadways and crashing down on homes and vehicles. In addition to on-duty deputies, emergency responders from multiple agencies were quickly called out to begin responding to situations and provide help to those in need.
There was a heavy concentration of damage and destruction in the areas of Briarcliff, Salesville and Hand Cove. A female was reported missing and could not be found after her mobile home was destroyed on Jones Lane, off Arkansas Highway 5 South near Salesville. The woman’s body was around 8 Sunday morning nearly 300 yards from her residence, and she was later identified as Sontag.
Work to clear roadways of fallen utility lines and downed trees continues. Motorists should continue to use caution when driving in and around the areas impacted, and people should be aware of the dangers of entering badly damaged buildings and structures. Deputies continue to be available to offer assistance as needed.
The majority of the injured parties were treated by Baxter Health medical personnel. The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office was also assisted by the Arkansas State Police, Gassville Police Department, Cotter Police Department, Bull Shoals Police Department, Arkansas Highway Police, Baxter County Road and Bridge Department, Arkansas Department of Transportation, Baxter County Coroner’s Office, all of the volunteer fire departments in Baxter County and some outside the county and Office of Emergency Management personnel from Baxter, Izard, and Fulton counties. In addition, Izard County Sheriff’s Office temporarily handled calls south of Norfork, and many civilian volunteers offered their services.
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