OSHA announced Monday it has opened an investigation into the deadly collapse of an Amazon warehouse in tornado-ravaged Edwardsville, Ill., that killed at least six employees.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has “had compliance officers at the complex since Saturday, December 11 to provide assistance,” OSHA spokesman Scott Allen said in a statement.
“OSHA has six months to complete its investigation, issue citations and propose monetary penalties if violations of workplace safety and or health regulations are found. No further information will be available until OSHA has completed their investigation.”
A Navy vet who tried to warn his co-workers about the impending weather disaster and a single mother with a 1-year-old son were among the six workers killed when a tornado flattened the Edwardsville Amazon warehouse near St. Louis, said officials and grieving relatives over the weekend.
The deadly warehouse collapse killed at least six Amazon employees. FacebookThe victims were Etheria S. Hebb, 34, a delivery driver from St. Louis; Deandre S. Morrow, 28, of St. Louis, Mo.; Kevin D. Dickey, 62, of Carlyle, Ill.; Clayton Lynn Cope, 29, of Alton, Ill.; Larry E. Virden, 46, of Collinsville, Ill., and Austin J. McEwen, 26, of Edwardsville, IIl.
OSHA is investigating possible violations of workplace safety after the 11-inch-thick concrete walls of the warehouse came crashing down as a tornado hit the area. Tim Vizer/AFP via Getty ImagesAt least one other person was injured at the warehouse, and 45 others were rescued safely, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said over the weekend.
Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said Saturday that those trapped deep in the rubble were likely doomed from the start.
“These walls are made out of 11-inch-thick concrete, and they’re about 40 feet tall, so a lot of weight from that came down,” Whiteford said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the tornado,” an Amazon representative said. Michael B. Thomas/Getty ImagesThe tornado that crushed the warehouse was just one of dozens of twisters that tore through several states, especially Kentucky, where more than 60 people were killed.
When reached for comment, Amazon rep Kelly Nantel said, “OSHA investigates all workplace fatalities and we are supporting them.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the tornado,” Nantel previously said in a statement. “We’re continuing to support our employees and partners in the area.”
