A candle factory in Kentucky where workers were trapped when extreme tornadoes ripped through the area had been looking to hire more employees and was operating a second shift with more than 100 people in the building when the severe weather hit.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Saturday press conference that about 40 people have been rescued from the rubble. At least 70 people are feared dead across the state because of the storms, he said.
The factory that produces branded candles and home fragrance products is owned by a family and was one of the hardest hit locations.
The workers were stuck in the ruins of the factory when crews arrived early Saturday. The town was partially leveled by the weather.
Callie Lemle, the wife of the Graves County Economic Development President, said that people were digging through the rubble to free trapped employees. She encouraged volunteers to bring gloves, headlamps, and equipment.
December 11, 2021.
Kyanna Lou, an employee of the Mayfield company, documented her experience of being trapped behind a wall after the roof collapsed in a video posted on Facebook.
Lou says in the video that he's scared and that he's trying to be cool. She was rescued.
Troy Propes is the CEO of Mayfield Consumer Products. The company has an annual revenue of almost $30 million and employs more than 200 people.
The company was cited for lack of proper electrical protective equipment and respiratory protection during an OSHA inspection in September. OSHA records show that Mayfield has a violation for lack of maintenance, safeguards and operational features for exit routes.
Insider did not get a response from Mayfield Consumer Products.
There were many openings for production positions on the first and second shift on the company's website.
The company said in its announcement that it was investing $8.3 million in development that would create more than 50 jobs. The effort was praised by former Kentucky governor Matt Bevin, who said at the time that the job would provide a significant boost to the local economy.
"Mayfield Consumer Products has been a great employer and strong corporate citizen for the past 20 years, and we are grateful for the company's decision to continue expanding here in Kentucky," Bevin said in a statement.
