A facility in the US Amazon had “partially collapsed” as a severe storm swept through southern Illinois, killing people and rescuers searching for people trapped in the rubble. broken.
Police in the town of Edwardsville say rescue operations are underway after a “severe weather event” – possibly a tornado – hit the base on Friday night. Officials said Saturday there were “confirmed deaths”.
According to local media, at least 100 ambulances arrived at the site after a wall the size of a football field in the US collapsed.
According to data from logistics analysts MWPVL, the Edwardsville facility, about 20 miles from St Louis, is a 700,000 square foot “unstable” fulfillment center.
According to Amazon’s website, such buildings typically employ around 1,000 workers, although during peak Christmas season this number can be significantly more.
“The safety and well-being of our employees and partners is our top priority right now,” Amazon said. “We are assessing the situation and will share additional information as it becomes available.”
Dave Clark, Amazon executive in charge of its fulfillment network, say on Twitter: “Thoughts and prayers go out to our team in Edwardsville tonight and thanks to all of the first responders.”
Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said it was not known how many people were inside the building at the time of the collapse.
“It’s a fairly new building so it’s not something we’ve ever seen,” he added, telling CBS affiliate KMOV.
Two people from the scene were taken to hospital by helicopter and about 30 workers were taken by bus to a nearby police station for evaluation, according to the AP news agency.
“My prayers go to the people of Edwardsville tonight and I have reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources,” Illinois governor JB Pritzker said. in a tweet.
The AP said severe storms across five states in the Midwest claimed the lives of at least four people on Friday.
Officials said Saturday that a horde of tornadoes tore through Kentucky and five other US states Friday night, killing dozens and leaving a trail of devastation along a longer stretch of road. 200 miles, according to Reuters.
