East Central Reporter

Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Vandalia) took to social media to thank the community for its support after six people were killed when an Amazon delivery station in Edwardsville was struck by a tornado.

Plummer posted his reaction on Facebook, saying the the community response has been overwhelming, "a great thing to see — but not unexpected in the area."

“God bless all who have stepped up to lend a hand,” he wrote on Facebook.

He said first responders told him that they have plenty of food, water and other donations, so they are asking people to donate food to their local food pantry instead.

Plummer added that he has planned a community blood drive in Edwardsville on Dec. 30. While it is a regular event, the tragedy is a reminder to step up to help friends and neighbors in need. 

“Keep the prayers coming,” Plummer wrote. “Thank you again to our first responders. Phenomenal response.”

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has started an investigation into the collapse. Spokesman Scott Allen said compliance officers have been at the complex since Saturday, according to ABC News.

“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,” Allen told ABC News in a statement. "No further information will be available until OSHA has completed their investigation.”

The Edwardsville police department identified the victims 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, 34, of St. Louis; Larry E. Virden, 46, of Collinsville, Illinois; and Austin J. McEwen, 26, of Edwardsville, Illinois.

The Intercept reported that workers said they have received little disaster training. Some workers who wanted to remain anonymous said they rarely took part in tornado or even fire drills over their careers, with some going back six years.

“I have been here six and a half years and have never once been involved in a tornado safety drill on my shift, as well as have not taken part in a fire safety drill in about two years,” an employee said. “This whole situation has got me thinking our site really needs to revise its safety drills because you never know when disaster and tragedy can strike.”

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel refuted that. “Emergency response training is provided to new employees and that training is reinforced throughout the year,” Nantel wrote in an email.

According to ABC News, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is known for representing George Floyd’s family, announced that he will be representing the Morrow family and will be meeting with other injured workers and families.

“The family members we represent are deeply distraught and want answers to their questions,” Crump said in a prepared statement. “We are seeking to determine if Amazon did everything in its power to warn employees of the incoming danger from the tornado and provide a designated safe area for employees to shelter.”