Metro East Sun

Republican state Sen. Jason Plummer is praising his Edwardsville constituents for their response to the tornado that recently tore through the Edwardsville community, toppling an Amazon delivery station and leaving six dead.

“The community response is overwhelming,” Plummer posted on Facebook. “It's a great thing to see and not unexpected in this area. God Bless all who have stepped up to lend a hand.”

By way of illustration, Plummer shared the words of a first responder who stated: "We have more food, water, and other donations than we could ask for. Anything more right now would just go to waste. Instead, please donate some food and water to your local food pantry. Please take this into consideration.”

Plummer is hoping all the caring and sharing will extend beyond the latest tragedy.

“I have another planned community blood drive in Edwardsville on 12/30,” he added. “These are regular events but this tragedy serves as a sad reminder of why we must always step up and help our friends and neighbors.”

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has now launched a probe into the deadly tragedy that took place at the height of the busy holiday shopping season.

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

Edwardsville city officials have identified the names of the six deceased as Larry Virden, 46, Deandre Morrow, 28, of St. Louis, Mo.; Kevin Dickey, 62, of Carlyle, Ill.; Clayton Lynn Cope, 29, of Alton, Ill.; Etheria Hebb, 34, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Austin McEwen, 26, of Edwardsville, Ill.

Amazon officials said the delivery facility ravaged by the storm was opened in July 2020 and was approximately 1.1 million square feet with approximately 190 employees across multiple shifts, according to ABC News. The company said it is donating $1 million to the Edwardsville Community Foundation, and it is working with local officials to assist with recovery efforts.

Company officials said when the site received tornado warnings, employees worked quickly to ensure as many people as possible could get to a designated shelter-in-place location.

Not all employees agree that Amazon employees were adequately kept abreast of developments by management, The Intercept reported.

“I know it’s the weekend and Amazon was busy blasting Michael Strahan and other wealthy people into space but can we get any kind of statement about the mass casualty incident in Illinois,” an employee at the nearby Indiana fulfillment center wrote on the company’s “Voice of Associates” message board soon after the storm had hit.

Workers are now demanding better safety practices in hopes of avoiding any repeat of the tragedy that took place in Edwardsville.

“I’m sure we all have heard about the Amazon in Illinois that got totally destroyed by a tornado,” wrote a second employee in the Indiana fulfillment center. “Curious as to why we don’t have tornado drills like we do fire drills?”

A third employee later added, “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. 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."