Death Toll Rises from Kentucky Tornadoes

UPDATED 12/13/21: The death toll has risen to 90 after a tornado roared through several states. As reported, the storm destroyed Mayfield Consumer Products factory, ripped apart a nursing home and flattened an Amazon distribution center. 

“I pray that there will be another rescue. I pray that there will be another one or two,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said, as crews sifted through the wreckage of the candle factory in Mayfield.

According to Mayfield, a candle and home fragrance maker, 110 people were working overnight Friday when the storm hit. Forty of them were rescued.

“Our Mayfield, Kentucky facility was destroyed December 10, 2021, by a tornado, and tragically employees were killed and injured. We’re heartbroken about this, and our immediate efforts are to assist those affected by this terrible disaster,” said CEO Troy Propes. “Our company is family-owned and our employees, some who have worked with us for many years, are cherished. We’re immediately establishing an emergency fund to assist our employees and their families.

“We’re grateful to the first responders who heroically assisted our employees following the storm. And, we’re thankful for those who are generously offering to assist us. Your prayers are needed and appreciated.”

In Kentucky alone, 22 were confirmed dead by late Saturday, including 11 in and around Bowling Green. But Beshear said upward of 70 may have been killed when a twister touched down for more than 200 miles in his state. According to Beshear, that the number of deaths could eventually exceed 100 across 10 or more counties.

The death toll of 36 across five states includes six people in Illinois, where an Amazon facility was hit; four in Tennessee; two in Arkansas, where a nursing home was destroyed; and two in Missouri.

Fox News conducted an interview with Propes on Sunday.

UPDATE (11:05 am): Mayfield Consumer Products has set up a donation page at  www.mcpkentucky.com; it says 100% of donations made will be given to victim relief.