Villa Ridge, a small town located approximately 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, recently experienced destruction caused by an EF-2 tornado that resulted in damage to multiple structures, including a Burger King fast-food restaurant.

Villa Ridge has a population of about 3,000 people and sits between Interstate 44 and Highway 100 in Franklin County. 

At the exit leading to Washington, Missouri, off of Interstate 44, stands a Burger King establishment accompanied by a neighboring gas station. In the vicinity, there are additional amenities such as a bank, another gas station, and a rest area designated for large trucks.

Footage captured on Friday night depicted the tornado in the backdrop amid the severe weather conditions, showcasing the gas station and Burger King sign situated alongside the interstate.

The tornado ended up partially destroying the Burger King and gas station, trapping 13 Burger King employees and customers inside a bathroom where they were taking shelter. 

Gabriella Breeding, Burger King’s general manager, was on the phone with employees trapped inside the building as she rushed to the store, also calling 911 on the way. 

She arrived about the same time as local firefighters, who checked the building and didn’t believe anyone was inside. Breeding insisted people were in the building. 

When they heard people calling out and saw the light of a flashlight, firefighters were able to find and rescue all the people inside. 

None of the 13 people stuck inside were injured. 

One of the employee’s cars was totaled in the parking lot outside. 

Five semi-trucks were flipped over nearby.

It’s estimated the Burger King location in Villa Ridge will be closed for three to six months while the extent of damage is investigated and a determination is made about whether the building can be repaired or if it needs to be rebuilt entirely. 

During that time, the approximately 20 people who work at that Burger King location will be offered a temporary transfer to one of the chain’s locations in neighboring cities. 

At least 12 people were killed in Missouri during the severe weather on Friday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed. 

The EF-2 tornado that touched down in Villa Ridge tracked 13 miles from Villa Ridge to Wildwood, Missouri, the National Weather Service said.