One Dead, 40 Injured and Much Damage in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Published: Monday, Jul 24th 2023, 17:40
Actualizado el: Viernes, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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On Monday, a powerful storm passed through the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Neuchâtel Jura, leaving one person dead and 40 injured. The storm caused extensive damage, with many vehicles destroyed, roofs torn off, and dozens of trees uprooted or simply decapitated. The estimated wind speed was 217 km/h. Initially, it was thought to be a tornado, but meteorologists believe it was more likely a severe thunderstorm gust. The storm left an indelible mark on La Chaux-de-Fonds, according to the city's mayor Jean-Daniel Jeanneret. He urged residents to remain vigilant when moving around the city or in nature, and advised against travelling to La Chaux-de-Fonds. At the railway station, a crane fell on a car, killing a person in their fifties. Around 40 people were taken to Neuchâtel hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The roof of the Mélèzes ice rink was also damaged. In the Crêt-du-Locle district, 200 buildings were affected, many of them industrial and commercial. On the streets, chairs and tables from terraces, broken windows and shutters, and bricks were scattered. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. The storm also caused disruption to the railway network, with services suspended between La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Imier, Hauts Geneveys and Le Locle. Repairs are expected to take several days, and a bus service has been set up. Between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, 30 trees fell on the tracks and a high-voltage mast, and the connection is not expected to be restored until August 7th. The animals at the Muzoo Park were unharmed, and no injuries or losses were reported. All facilities, including the zoo, museum and vivarium, remain closed until further notice.
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