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Idaho Windstorm Topples Tree, Critically Injuring Two Children at Bus Stop in Twin Falls County

Officials cite internal rot in aging trees as the key hazard during high winds.

Overview

  • Authorities say the children remain in critical condition after being struck shortly before 7 a.m. while waiting for their school bus south of Twin Falls.
  • One child was airlifted to St. Luke’s Magic Valley by an Air St. Luke’s helicopter despite hazardous gusts, and the other was transported by ambulance.
  • The National Weather Service recorded peak gusts near 68 mph in Twin Falls late Wednesday morning during the broader Northwest wind event.
  • The sheriff’s office reported widespread impacts including downed power lines, fallen trees, power outages, and several semi-truck rollovers on Highway 93.
  • A family GoFundMe identifies the siblings as Viviana and Porter French and describes severe injuries, including multiple fractures for Porter with a planned hip replacement and facial and skull injuries for Viviana.