10 Dead in Christmas Candle Night Production Despite Tornado Concerns in the US

Kentucky Governor: "A Miracle If Survivors Found"
Over 100 Confirmed Dead
Major Disaster Despite Severe Weather Warning...Possibility of Human Error

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The death toll from the deadliest tornado disaster to hit the U.S. Midwest has reached around 100. While the apartment collapse accident in Miami, Florida, in July that killed 97 people was a man-made disaster, this time Americans are shocked by a massive natural disaster.

On the 12th (local time), three days after the tornado swept through six Midwestern states including Kentucky, the scale of the damage is becoming clear.

Ten people died at a candle factory where Christmas candles were being made, and six people lost their lives at an Amazon warehouse.

A candle factory located in Mayfield, Kentucky, was completely destroyed by tornado damage. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The confirmed death toll has approached around 100, but it is certain that more fatalities will be reported. Rescue operations have been delayed as several towns scattered across the area have been completely wiped out, making it impossible to confirm how many people are trapped under building debris.

The confirmed death toll so far stands at a minimum of 94. In Kentucky, where the damage was concentrated, 80 deaths have been confirmed.

Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, appeared on CNN and said, "The death toll is expected to exceed 100," adding, "Out of 100 workers at the candle factory, 40 have been rescued, and it is difficult to be certain if more survivors will be found. If there are survivors, it would be a miracle."

Kentucky has deployed at least 300 National Guard troops to identify affected households and locate the dead and survivors, but since most of the affected areas have turned into ruins, pessimistic forecasts that hope is lost are spreading.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

At the Mayfield candle factory in Kentucky, at least 10 workers who were on the night shift were confirmed dead. Federal Representative James Comer explained, "The candle factory was operating 24/7 for the Christmas season, which increased the scale of the damage."

In Illinois, where the Amazon warehouse is located, six deaths occurred, and four people lost their lives in Tennessee. Two people died each in Arkansas and Missouri.

Additional damage due to power outages and water supply disruptions is also a concern. So far, 51,064 households in Kentucky are without electricity. In Tennessee, about 14,000 households are living without power.

Earlier, President Joe Biden declared Kentucky a disaster area and, in a national address, said that the tornado that occurred this time is likely to be one of the largest in history, emphasizing, "The federal government will do everything it can to help," expressing a strong commitment to recovery efforts. When asked by reporters if he had spoken with Governor Beshear that day, President Biden said, "Not yet, but I will soon."

◇Is the damage due to human error?=This super-strong tornado occurred as warm air collided with a cold front in the Midwest region. BBC introduced claims that the unusual winter tornado was due to climate change.

There are also claims that the damage was caused by human error. U.S. meteorological authorities issued warnings before the tornado occurred in the area but failed to avoid record damage.

The 26-year-old truck driver who died at the Amazon factory followed instructions to take shelter in the building's safe room but ultimately died.

According to The New York Times, Isaiah Holt, who avoided the disaster by leaving after his daytime shift at the candle factory, expressed gloom over the deaths of his colleagues and complained that the company continued operations despite the severe weather.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.