Dec 13, 2021, 03:56am
More than 90 workers of a Kentucky candle factory have been located alive after initial fears that they may have perished after their workplace was completely flattened by a tornado on Friday, a finding that raises hopes that the death toll from the disaster may be lower than initially feared.
An aerial view of debris and structural damage is seen at the factory.
Anadolu Agency.
A spokesman for the factory's owner told various news outlets that eight people have been confirmed dead and eight are missing.
The number of people who died in the factory is far less than initially thought, and the spokesman said they were thankful for that.
Rescue teams are still looking for eight people who are still missing.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the state's death toll from the tornadoes would rise to 100, but this was based on suspicion of a much larger death toll at the factory.
The death toll estimates for Kentucky will likely be revised down now that the latest findings have been released.
Beshear said at the press conference that they were still getting information on the candle factory. The owner has been in contact with someone who has some information. We are trying to verify it. It may be a better situation if that is the case.
On Sunday evening, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Kentucky, opening the door for additional federal aid and support to the state. Biden made a declaration after Beshear requested it. Federal aid will be provided to impacted individuals in the counties of Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor, and Warren.
