Tornado Strikes Small Arkansas Town, Killing 3

MENA, Ark. (AP) - A tornado has killed three people, injured at least 24 and seriously damaged 100 homes in a small western Arkansas town.

Polk County emergency coordinator James Reeves says the town of Mena suffered a direct hit from a tornado between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday.

1 of the victims was found in a collapsed house, one in a Masonic Lodge, and another was found in her front yard. Their identities have not been released.

Officials say a tornado heavily damaged the downtown area, including the county courthouse. At least 100 homes were damaged enough to be rendered unsafe.

Gov. Mike Beebe has dispatched 30 National Guard soldiers to help secure the area.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.