(In the Dec. 12 story. Corrects nature storm to tornado in paragraph.

By Richa Naidu

EDWARDSVILLE (Ill.) -Amazon cargo truck driver Austin J. McEwen was 26 years old and loved listening to Mac Miller. He also enjoyed hunting with his friends.

He died trying to shelter from a powerful tornado https://www.reuters.com/world/us/injuries-reported-after-roof-collapse-amazon-warehouse-illinois-ap-2021-12-11 in the bathroom at an Amazon.com (NASDAQ:) warehouse on Friday night, according to a coworker.

McEwen, one of six victims of Sunday’s tornado in Edwardsville (Illinois), was killed by the powerful storm. A barrage of tornadoes https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/devastated-kentucky-tornado-survivors-pick-through-debris-shelter-with-relatives-2021-12-12 ripped through six U.S. states, leaving a trail of death and destruction at homes and businesses stretching more than 200 miles (322 km).

Brian Erdmann was on the way to deliver a parcel to the warehouse when he heard that “he was my friend” and that ‘he wasn’t making it.” “It is possible that I could have reached the exact same spot if I returned home 45 minutes sooner,” he said. He would have seen me right there.”

Deandre S. Murrow, 28, from St. Louis Missouri; Kevin D. Dickey 62, Carlyle Illinois; Clayton Lynn Cope 29, Alton Illinois; Etheria S. Hebb 24, St. Louis Missouri; Larry E. Virden 46, Collinsville Illinois

Reuters spoke with several employees who claimed that Amazon managers had directed them to take refuge in bathrooms after they received emergency alerts via their mobile phones.

Amazon stated that employees were instructed to take refuge in a designated area near the restroom at the entrance of the building.

According to the company, there were tornado warnings at the site between 8:06 and 8:16 pm. The tornado then struck the building at 8.27 pm.

According to the statement, “Our team quickly worked to make sure as many partners and employees got to Shelter in Place” They were amazing and we are very grateful.

Some workers claimed that they kept their cellphones despite being told by Amazon they were not allowed to have them at work.

Amazon does not have a policy that prohibits contractors or employees from owning a cellphone at work, the company replied.

“I was near the end of my route. Just as I was getting into the building, they shouted “Shelter in position!” David Kosiak is 26, and has been working at the facility since March. We were there in the bathroom. They sent us there.

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.

According to the National Weather Service the tornado hit between 8:28- 8:32 pm central time. The force intensified as it hit Amazon’s warehouse. The force reached 150 miles an hour (or 241 kilometers per-hour), and the roof was torn off. Concrete walls 11 inches thick, 28 cm high, were also torn in half.

Amazon workers made it safely to safety. The authorities gave up on the hope of finding survivors and shifted to rescue and recovery efforts expected to last for several days.

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 stated that they would be donating $1,000,000 to Edwardsville Community Foundation. According to Amazon, the company is providing supplies for relief as well transport, food, and water.

Amazon workers were seen arriving at the warehouse across from them on Sunday to begin shifts. They are heavily guarded.

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.”