13 People Trapped in a Burger King Bathroom During Tornado in Missouri Rescued

A powerful EF-2 tornado swept through Villa Ridge, Missouri, causing significant damage to multiple buildings, including a Burger King restaurant. The storm, part of a severe weather system, left destruction in its wake as it moved through the small town of approximately 3,000 residents, located southwest of St. Louis.

The tornado struck near the intersection of Interstate 44 and Highway 100, an area with several businesses including a gas station, bank, and truck rest stop. Video captured the storm as it illuminated the night sky, with debris swirling near the heavily damaged Burger King and its neighboring gas station.

At the time of impact, 13 employees and customers inside the Burger King took shelter in a bathroom as the building sustained heavy damage. Gabriella Breeding, the restaurant’s general manager, was on the phone with staff as she rushed to the location while also contacting emergency services. Upon arrival, firefighters initially believed the building was empty, but Breeding insisted people were inside. Rescuers ultimately located the trapped individuals after hearing their voices and spotting the beam of a flashlight. Fortunately, all 13 people were safely evacuated without injury.

Outside the restaurant, an employee’s car was totaled in the parking lot, and five semi-trucks in the vicinity were flipped by the tornado’s powerful winds. The Burger King is expected to remain closed for three to six months while officials assess whether it can be repaired or will require a complete rebuild. During this period, its 20 employees will be offered temporary transfers to other nearby locations.

The National Weather Service confirmed that the EF-2 tornado traveled approximately 13 miles from Villa Ridge to Wildwood. State authorities reported that at least 12 people lost their lives across Missouri due to the severe weather outbreak.