North Texas

Good Samaritans Help Victims of Garland Tornado Damage

Eight people have been confirmed dead after tornadoes roared through North Texas Saturday evening, with five deaths occurring near the intersection of Interstate 30 and the President George Bush Turnpike in Garland.

At least three people were found dead inside vehicles, said Barineau, who also noted that some cars appeared to be thrown from the interstate, though it wasn't known whether that was the case for the people found in the vehicles.

"The confirmed tornado really hit us hard here in the southeast part of Garland," said Mike Hatfield, Garland police spokesman.

The tornado ripped through the city limits near Sunnyvale and moved northeast, through the intersection, and into Rowlett.

Some of the first people to arrive at the scene of the devastation were left shocked.

"It was terrifying," said Randy Gore, who drove up to the scene just after the tornado hit the intersection. "It was heartbreaking, especially being the day after Christmas."

Many drivers stopped their vehicles to help first responders. "That was our main focus, helping getting them out," said Lamont Shrimp, who stopped to help peopled pinned and trapped in damaged vehicles. "Getting IV's in them, just keeping them warm, talking to them, making sure there's some support for them."

The American Red Cross launched a region-wide response to the storms. Anyone interested in helping victims left injured or effected by the storms can make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at http://www.redcross.org or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.

Your Tornado Photos - December 26, 2015

NBC 5's Johnny Archer contributed to this report.

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