DelDot staging facility suffers over $5 mil. in damages after being struck by tornado

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. – A DelDot staging facility in Bridgeville suffered over $5 million in damage after being in the path of a tornado Saturday night.

Officials from DEMA, DelDOT, and Governor John Carney toured the site Sunday, surveying the damage and praising the response across the area by EMS, police, and fire crews.

“The greatest damage in terms of price is looking like this facility, but of course with one fatality, we can say that we can rebuild this facility, and we can help with homes, but we cannot bring that gentleman back,” Gov. Carney said.

DEMA Director AJ Schall says they will be applying for federal relief to be able to help rebuild the facility, as it is expected to exceed the $2 million in damage cap for federal assistance.

Schall also tells 47 ABC As a response to that tornado, the Delaware Department of emergency management was on the scene assessing damages in impacted neighborhoods and helping homeowners with the next steps.

They say they are looking to answer questions about insurance, where to go next, and the support that the state will be giving the victims.

According to Red Cross, 10 people are having their basic needs met, with DEMA saying shelters will be opened if they are deemed necessary.

“The Red Cross did assist a few people last night with temporary shelter the assessment teams on the ground today are identifying that if the number is needed we will open a shelter whether it is a hotel or accommodations, or getting them to friends and families house and then the next steps is individuals who have to rebuild a house that is months,” Schall said.

Schall says DEMA will be assisting with those long-term rebuilding projects as well for those affected.