Hamilton, Bermuda ? The most powerful hurricane to hit Bermuda in 50 years slammed into the island chain, unleashing winds that snapped trees, knocked out power and tested the wealthy British territory’s vaunted ability to withstand a fierce storm. Four people were missing and feared dead.

By nightfall Friday, the hurricane’s 120 mph winds had eased on the islands as Fabian pushed away, but officials were grappling with reports of minor injuries and widespread damage.

Two police officers and two civilians were missing and feared dead, said Bermuda Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith. They were swept into white-capped waters when winds blew their vehicles off a shattered causeway connecting Bermuda’s main island to the airport. A search was suspended because of the strong storm surge but was to resume this morning.

Hospitals reported minor injuries. Many people said they had been hit by flying debris. Some reported falling on slippery roads.

The storm knocked out power in 25,000 homes, tore slate tiles from roofs and covered roads with debris. Many of the vacation spot’s golf courses were in ruins.

“This storm is the most powerful one we’ve seen in years,” said John Burchall, the Bermuda government’s spokesman. “The surge and debris are making it incredibly difficult to do search and rescue operations.”

“My neighbor is using a mop to hold up her kitchen ceiling,” said Honey Adams, a spokeswoman for the Bermuda government whose neighbor lost part of her roof. “The golf course is a disaster area.”

A satellite dish and instruments to measure wind speeds were ripped from their moorings and blown away from Bermuda’s Weather Service, which was trying to make speedy repairs.

Street phone cables fly in the gusting winds of Hurricane Fabian in Hamilton, Bermuda. The most powerful hurricane to hit Bermuda in 50 years slammed into the island chain Friday, downing trees, knocking out power and destroying roofs.