How will downtown Bamberg bounce back after tornado?

BAMBERG, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - While there was no loss of life in Tuesday’s Bamberg tornado, there may be a loss of livelihood.

That’s because the EF-2 tornado devastated a downtown that was on the rebound in the vibrant town of 3,500.

Damaged buildings include the historic Bamberg City Hall as well as local businesses.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

But amid the destruction, people are counting their blessings that no one was injured or killed.

Even though a brick building downtown collapsed in the storm, several cars narrowly missed being crushed by the bricks.

Dramatic video of the collapse shows car after car ing in front of the building, even as rain pelts the pavement and debris flies through the air.

Yet miraculously it was in a moment when no car was ing that the countless bricks tumbled into the street.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Downtown has a special place in Mayor Nancy Foster’s heart.

“We’re really sad about downtown where there has been so much growth,” she said.

Downtown is a place she’s repeatedly described as her ion.

She’ll be sad to see the historic buildings go if they can’t be salvaged.

But she’s optimistic.

“We are beginning to pull things together. We will keep going, and pick up and start over,” she said.

“Just say a prayer for us and we’ll get there,” she said.

Downtown Bamberg: Before and after.(Contributed)

At least four downtown buildings were severely damaged, and a large amount of debris is spread across the downtown area, especially on Highway 601.

Downtown will remain closed until officials of the South Carolina Fire Marshals Office and structural engineers declare the area and surrounding structures safe.

Buzzy Bunch – who with his wife owns a now-destroyed antique store known as Bamberg Rustic Used Furniture – said he’s hopeful.

“We will get together and help everyone out,” he said. “That’s Bamberg.”

The mayor agrees.

“I’m certain that even in these circumstances, that when all of this dust settles, when all of the dust settles, that we will stand in Bamberg County and still be able to declare that this is our finest hour,” she said.