Twelve killed as tornadoes tear through U.S. midwest

February 29, 2012 – BRANSON, Mo. — At least twelve people were killed after as a line of tornadoes marched across the Midwest, hitting places like the tourist hub of Branson. Forecasters warned more twisters could strike the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians through Wednesday evening. Six of the deaths occurred in Harrisburg, Ill., after a possible tornado swept through; destroying 35-40 homes, according to local TV station KFVS12. A hospital official later confirmed the deaths. The fourth death happened when a suspected tornado hit a mobile home park in southwest Missouri, outside the town of Buffalo. Another 13 people at the trailer park were injured. At least 8 people were injured when a suspected tornado ripped through Harveyville, Kan., on Tuesday night, NBC News reported. At least three of the injured are in critical condition, according to weather.com, and 40 percent of the town suffered damage. NBC affiliate KSHB TV reported that an apartment complex and a church were among the damaged buildings in the town of about 250 people. –MSNBC