Branson Baker, his parents, and uncle were headed to a friend’s storm shelter when the tornado hit in late April.
“It was one of the most horrific scenes I’ve ever witnessed,” said Johnny Baker, Branson’s uncle.
Branson, miraculously uninjured, helped his trapped parents after the tornado.
“The last thing Branson said to them was, ‘Mom, Dad, please don’t die. I will be back,'” his uncle recounted.
Guided by lightning flashes, he ran a mile in 10 minutes to seek help for his injured parents, Wayne and Lindy.
Wayne sustained injuries to his sternum and arm, along with partial loss of a finger, while Lindy endured broken necks, backs, hands, and ribs.
They are currently recuperating at OU Medical Center.
In the meantime, Lindy suffered injuries such as a punctured lung, as well as fractures in her jaw and right hand.
Johnny recounted Branson’s determination, quoting him as saying, “My Superman was trapped,” emphasizing the necessity for him to step up and act.
The Bakers, who operate a contracting business, are currently unable to work due to their injuries.
Additionally, during a recent baseball game, Branson’s teammates wore stickers in solidarity with the family, inspiring Branson to hit a home run.
Johnny expresses optimism about his brother and sister-in-law’s recovery following the Oklahoma tornado, attributing it to Branson’s swift actions and unwavering faith.
A GoFundMe page established for the family commended Branson as a hero, depicting him as small yet powerful.
It celebrated his bravery and hinted at his potential for future greatness.
The tornado in Oklahoma that ensnared the Bakers was categorized as an EF4, the highest level of severity for tornadoes.
As per the National Weather Service, it marked the first occurrence of such intensity in Oklahoma since 2016.
The storm’s impact was most severely felt in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas, according to reports from the Daily Mail, which detailed extensive damage in these regions.
Oklahoma endured a particularly devastating weekend, witnessing the occurrence of twenty-two tornadoes that tragically claimed the lives of four individuals, including an infant.
Injuries were widespread, with sixty-two people suffering cuts or piercings, seventy-seven sustaining injuries from falls, and seven experiencing harm from poisonous substances.
Additionally, fifty-nine individuals were struck by objects, and fifty-six were injured while on the road, as reported by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
During a Sunday press conference in Sulphur, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was astounded by the extensive damage. He observed that nearly every downtown business appeared to be demolished. In a statement released Sunday morning, he also offered his condolences, expressing deep sympathy for those who lost loved ones in the tornadoes that hit Oklahoma the night before.
“Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and everyone who worked tirelessly through the night to ensure the safety of Oklahomans, clear debris, and assess the damage,” the governor said.
Stitt declared a state of emergency in 12 counties while crews worked to remove debris and evaluate the damage caused by severe storms that brought down power lines.
During a tornado, acting quickly is essential for safety, said the National Weather Service.
Here’s what you can do:
Stay informed by listening to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings.
If you’re home during a tornado warning, seek shelter in your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Remember to bring your pets if possible.
Follow tornado drill procedures at your workplace or school and proceed to designated tornado shelters calmly and quickly. Avoid large open areas like cafeterias or gymnasiums.
If you’re caught outside during a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately. Sheds, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. Find a secure building if possible.
Avoid being in a vehicle during a tornado. Drive to the nearest shelter if possible. If you can’t reach safety, crouch in your car and cover your head, or seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch.
Watch Branson’s story when he saved his parents from the Oklahoma tornado below:
