Monday update: Here’s the latest on recovery effort at Edwardsville Amazon site

Everyone reported to have been at the Amazon distribution site as a tornado leveled a football field-sized portion of the building Friday night has been accounted for, according to a statement from Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback.

Six people were killed when the tornado struck around 8:30 p.m. Friday, collapsing the building and trapping some workers inside.

Authorities on Sunday released the names of six people who died after a tornado struck the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville Friday night. Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn identified the victims as: Austin J. McEwen, 26, of Edwardsville, IL; DeAndre S. Morrow, 28, of St. Louis, MO; Clayton Lynn Cope, 29, of Alton, IL; Etheria S. Hebb, 34, of St. Louis, MO; Larry E. Virden, 46, of Collinsville, IL; and Kevin D. Dickey, 62, of Carlyle, IL.

“The Edwardsville Fire Department is still working to clear debris from the site and working with representatives of Amazon to transition the property back to their control,” Fillback stated in the release. “This transition will take place in the near future when emergency crews have completed their efforts. At this time, everyone reported to have been at the property when this event occurred has been accounted for and we have no other report of missing individuals.”

Accounting for everyone who was working with the storm struck the building has been problematic.

Local authorities initially said that Amazon didn’t have a count of how many employees were at the building because of a “shift change,” but Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said Sunday that several employees were finishing their delivery routes and returning to the warehouse where their personal vehicles were parked.

“There are people coming and going because the drivers are all beginning to wrap up their routes,” she said. “There’s just a lot of activity at that point.”

How to dispose of storm debris

There was “significant damage” in other parts of Edwardsville, Fillback said. Those affected should call the United Way by dialing 211.

“... A representative will collect all needed information and direct it to the proper authorities. As always, we would like to remind residents to be on the lookout for scammers and only use reputable contractors’ for debris cleanup and storm damage repairs,” the release stated.

The Edwardsville Public Works Department will begin removing storm debris at the following locations: Country Club View Subdivision, which includes Country Club View Drive, Fairway Drive, Sunset Hills Drive, Birdie Court, and Eagle Court. It also will be in the the Glen Echo Subdivision, which includes Glen Echo Drive, Lockhaven Court, Camelot Drive, and Country Club Lane.

The following restrictions apply to the removal of any debris:

• Materials that will be removed include only trees and building debris which resulted directly from the storm.
• Building materials and tree debris should be placed in separate piles near the edge of the roadway.
• Tree limbs should be cut into pieces that are 8 feet or less if possible.
• Small pieces of building debris may be included in regular trash pickup.
• City crews will not go onto private property.

The city will also assist those who live outside the city limits, the release stated. They may call 618-692-7535 for assistance or resources.

Donate to the relief effort

Fillback asked that anyone who wants to make donations to the relief effort should do so through three sources: The Edwardsville Community Foundation Relief Fund (855-464-3223); Salvation Army; or the American Red Cross.

This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 11:09 AM.