As a fierce storm battered downtown Sulphur, one local business owner found herself in a desperate battle for survival, not just for her own life, but also for the safety of her customers. Raina’s Sports Lounge owner, Raina Valkoun, had been hosting a typical Saturday night at her bar when disaster struck. Suddenly, the walls of the lounge began to crumble around them, trapping more than a dozen people inside.
Valkoun was among the many trapped under layers of debris as the building collapsed. She remained pinned for 45 minutes until first responders were able to rescue everyone from the wreckage. Unfortunately, one of her longtime friends and customers did not make it out alive. Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Raina expressed her hopes that her friend had passed quickly without fear.
Despite the heartbreak of losing a friend and her beloved bar, Raina is grateful for another day of life. She acknowledged the devastation caused by the storm, with around 30 people injured and approximately half of them present at her bar during the incident. As she surveyed the damage and witnessed the resilience of those in her community, Raina felt a sense of gratitude for the lives that were spared.
Raina’s Sports Lounge had always been a hub of activity in downtown Sulphur. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it was no wonder that many locals frequented it on weekends. But now, as rain poured down and winds howled through the streets, Raina knew that she faced an uphill battle to save lives.
With tears streaming down her face and adrenaline coursing through her veins, Raina rushed to assess the damage caused by the storm. She saw debris scattered throughout the lounge and heard screams echoing through what used to be a bustling bar.
As she pulled people from beneath fallen walls and debris