Widespread damage caused to homes, businesses

A tornado tore through Goshen causing widespread damage to buildings and trees as severe storms hit Greater Cincinnati Wednesday afternoon.

Much of the destruction is centered near the Goshen Township Fire Station at the intersection of Goshen Road and State Route 28.

The Goshen Fire Department took “a direct hit” from the tornado, Fire Chief Stephen Pegram said.

A portion of the fire station’s roof appears to have collapsed. Firefighters, police and EMS from several different agencies have responded to the area near the fire station.

Several houses have been destroyed or partially destroyed. Roads are blocked by debris and trees, as well as downed utility poles and power lines.

‘The kitchen ceiling collapsed over top of us’

KAB Insurance Services on Dick Flynn Boulevard in Goshen was left in ruins after it was hit by Wednesday’s tornado, according to Sales Manager Eric Beavers.

He and his coworkers were seated in the conference room when the storm rolled in, Beavers said, adding everyone in the office took shelter under a wooden table in the kitchen.

“The kitchen ceiling collapsed over the top of us,” he said. “We didn’t know if we were going to make it out.”

Beavers said everyone made it out of the collapsed office building though some of the staff might need to be treated for injuries.

Other Goshen businesses are also reeling from the tornado’s aftermath.

Skyline customers fled to the back of the store

Minutes before the tornado struck, Tyler King was working at the Skyline Chili near the highway. He said he received a notification of a tornado warning on the phone.