Four missing after powerful hurricane hits Bermuda
Four people are missing after the most powerful hurricane to hit Bermuda in 50 years slammed into the holiday island, unleashing deadly winds that split trees in half and swept trucks off roads.
By nightfall on Friday, the hurricane's 120 mph winds had eased as Fabian pushed away from Bermuda. Officials were grappling with reports of widespread damage and injuries.
At least four islanders are feared dead, according to Bermuda Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith.
Two police officers and two civilians were swept into white-capped waters when winds blew their vehicles off a shattered causeway connecting Bermuda's main island to the airport.
Hospitals have reported minor injuries. Many people said they had been hit by flying debris. Some reported falling on slippery roads.
The storm knocked out power in 25,000 homes, tore slate tiles from roofs, covered roads with debris and made the airport causeway impassable. Many of the holiday spot's golf courses were in ruins.
"This storm is the most powerful one we've seen in years," said John Burchall, the Bermuda government's spokesman. "The surge and debris are making it incredibly difficult to do search and rescue operations."
Fabian tested the islands' vaunted ability to withstand a fierce storm. The island chain requires newly built houses to withstand sustained winds of 110 mph. The developed territory also has many underground power and phone lines.
But Bermuda had not seen a Category 3 hurricane like Fabian since 1953 when Hurricane Edna slammed into Bermuda with its 115 mph winds.
