Nearly 300 are killed across the South , and dozens are injured in Birmingham , Alabama . ` I 'm screaming for her , 'Answer me , Mom -- please , Mom , answer me . ' Some tell harrowing tales of the tragedy . Witness : ` ` It was like an atomic bomb went off in a straight line '' ` ` It 's mind - blowing to think you walked away , '' one survivor says .
Nearly 300 are killed across the South , and dozens are injured in Birmingham , Alabama . Some tell harrowing tales of the tragedy . Witness : ` ` It was like an atomic bomb went off in a straight line '' ` ` It 's mind - blowing to think you walked away , '' one survivor says .