A group of people was forced to take shelter in a haunted sanatorium after a tornado warning was issued.
A group of ghost hunters was forced to flee a haunted sanatorium through a “dead body chute” after a tornado warning was issued for Louisville, Kentucky. Guides were giving tours at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium last Friday when an alert went out saying bad weather was coming and shelter was needed to be taken.
A tour organizer said Guests were taken into a tunnel underneath the 112-year-old former sanatorium and entertained by tour guides with stories about the “haunted” building until the tornado warning ended.
A tour organizer told WHAS11: “It was an automated phone call from Louisville metro services basically saying that bad weather was coming and to take cover. The air raid sirens went off and all of our people have to have radios for such an emergency.”
“We actually came up with a plan when those tornadoes hit in December. I’ll radio all the tour guides to quickly, calmly, and as safely as possible to get everybody down here,” the tour organizer added.
The tunnel, also known as the “dead body chute”, was described as being “better than a basement” for sheltering from a tornado because it is underground.
While taking refuge in the chute, which is really just a tunnel, the guides told the guests stories to keep them entertained and safe. Once given the all-clear, the guides resumed their tours on the property. Fortunately, no tornadoes were recorded at the time in Louisville.
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium opened in 1910 and was originally meant to accommodate 40-50 tuberculosis patients, according to its website. In the 1960s, after a cure was found for tuberculosis, the building became Woodhaven Medical Services. The facility was shut down by the state in 1981.
Since then, the building has been purchased again and the Waverly Hills Historical Society works to preserve and protect it. The Sanatorium offers a variety of tours, including a two-hour paranormal activity tour and a six-hour public investigation.
Those who are looking for a truly immersive experience can go for a private overnight investigation for $1,000. Historical tours are also offered to guests who are simply looking to learn more about the building.
The Sanatorium posted on Instagram following guests’ unusual experiences during the weather warning: “To all of our guests that were evacuated into the Body Chute last night during the tornado warnings. Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding.”
“Safety for our customers and staff is our number one priority at all times. We appreciate every single one of you! To anyone that was affected, our hearts and prayers go out to all of you, we hope everyone made it home safe,” the post added.
Some of those who were touring the facility during the emergency situation thanked the Sanatorium on the post. One guest wrote: “Thank you, we did! Your staff was awesome, they were telling us scary stories and things. Thank y’all! Coming back soon!”
Sanatoriums were built all across the United States in areas with fresh air to allow patients to recover, according to the Waverly Hills Historical Society which manages the building.
Waverly Hills is also iconic for its Tudor Gothic Revival style, as well as being among the most haunted places in the US. It was however derelict before the society took ownership in 2001.
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