Roommates several people are dealing with the aftermath of the deadly tornado that struck through the Midwest, leaving significant destruction in Kentucky, Illinois, and other states. As we previously reported, on Friday, a tornado hit an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, which left six people dead after part of the building collapsed, according to The Hill.
The National Weather Service said a tornado hit the area between 8:28 p.m. and 8:32 p.m., with estimated peak winds of 150 miles per hour. Reports show the force was so severe that the roof was ripped off. The damage of the building is now being invested by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA spokesperson Scott Allen says they have six months to complete its investigation, including issuing citations and proposing monetary penalties if safety or health violations are found. OSHA has had compliance officers at the complex in Edwardsville since Saturday. Victims have been identified as Deandre S. Morrow, 28, of St. Louis, Missouri; Kevin D. Dickey, 62, of Carlyle, Illinois; Clayton Lynn Cope, 29, of Alton, Illinois; Etheria S. Hebb, 24, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Larry E. Virden, 46, of Collinsville, Illinois. According to a coworker, Amazon cargo driver Austin J. McEwen, 26, died trying to shelter from a powerful tornado in the bathroom at the warehouse.
Kelly Nantel, Director of Media Relations for Amazon, spoke out about the tragedy stating, “We just really want to express our deepest condolences to the family members of those who were lost in this terrible tragedy. We lost six members of the Amazon family, and we’re doing everything we can to support them.” Kelly continued, “We’re reaching out to those family members ourselves, and we want to make sure that we’re taking really good care of them.” Amazon has also made a $1 million donation to the Edwardsville Community Foundation to assist with resources to help the community. Our thoughts are with those affected during this tragedy.
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