(Corrects McEwen name at third paragraph)

By Richa Naidu

EDWARDSVILLE. Ill. (Reuters). Austin J. McEwen (26) was an Amazon cargo driver. As an only child, he loved to hunt and listen to Mac Miller.

According to coworker, he died while trying to escape a strong tornado from his bathroom in an Amazon.com warehouse (NASDAQ:).

McEwen, one of six victims of Sunday’s tornado in Edwardsville (Illinois), was killed by the power of the powerful storm. Six states in the United States were hit by a series of tornadoes that left a trail of destruction and death along their homes and businesses for more than 200 miles.

Brian Erdmann said that Erdmann had been on his way to pick up a shipment to the warehouse and that Erdmann was his friend. “If I had returned 45 minutes sooner, I could have probably been there the same time.” He would have seen me right there.”

Deandre D. Morrison, 28 of St. Louis Missouri, Kevin D. Dickey 62 of Carlyle Illinois, Clayton Lynn Cope 29 of Alton Illinois, Etheria S. Shebb 24 of St. Louis Missouri, and Larry E. Virden 46 of Collinsville Illinois were the other Amazon workers who were identified by the local coroner as deceased.

Reuters heard from several workers that Amazon managers directed them to use the bathrooms after they were alerted via mobile phone by local authorities. Firefighters and Illinois’ governor both said that the initial warning was given about 40 minutes before tornadoes struck.

Amazon confirmed by email that they received various alerts confirming the site was subject to tornado warnings. According to the statement, “Our team quickly worked to make sure as many of our employees and partners were able to get to Shelter in Place,” said the company. They were amazing and we are very grateful.

The workers gave contradictory accounts about whether or not the restroom was designated shelter. Amazon didn’t comment.

Some said that their smartphones were in breach of an Amazon policy which prevents workers from carrying cellphones to work.

Responding to the question, the company said that employees and drivers can have their phones.

“I was at my end. Just as I was getting into the building, they shouted “Shelter in position!” David Kosiak (26), who worked in the facility for three month, said that he was happy to share his experience. We used the restrooms. “That’s why they sent us.”

It sounded almost like a train was passing through the building. Ceiling tiles flew down. The sound was very strong. We were given shelter until we fled, which took at most two hours.

Authorities said that the Amazon facility was damaged by the tornado, which came with strong winds at 155 mph (249 km/hour). The storm was so strong that the roof collapsed and concrete walls 11 inches (28 cm) thick fell onto themselves.

Amazon employees were among the 45 who made it to safety. As they moved from rescue efforts to recovery efforts, which were likely to last for days, authorities had lost hope of finding additional survivors.

Three facilities are located in Edwardsville by the company: the damaged delivery station, a fulfillment center, and a sorting station. To prepare last-mile deliveries to customers, the delivery station was opened in July 2020.

Amazon employees arrived in the nearby warehouse to begin their shifts on Sunday. The area was heavily secured by security.

McEwen’s coworker Emily Epperson said, “It’s an reminding of the trauma I just endured. But I will return to Amazon.” “This is my livelihood.”