Death toll rises to six in Amazon warehouse collapse near St. Louis

EDWARDSVILLE, Il. (KMIZ)

At least six people died after the Amazon warehouse collapsed in Edwardsville, Illinois when storms rolled through Friday night. This information came from the Edwardsville Fire Department at a press conference Saturday evening.

The building collapsed as a result of severe weather around 8:33 Friday night, according to Edwardsville Police. Workers were trapped in the approximately 800,000 square foot building, and search and rescue efforts are underway.

Forty-five people made it out safely from the warehouse, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said Saturday. 

Watch a replay from Saturday's press conference in the player below.

The names of those dead have not been released, but Fox 2 in St. Louis spoke with the mother of maintenance worker Clayton Cope. She told Fox 2 she learned her son died in the collapse.

One person was transported from the rubble to St. Louis hospital by helicopter. Their condition is unknown.

In a press conference, Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillbacker said in a press conference there was an estimated 50 workers in the building, but officials are still working to get an exact number.

Fillback confirmed 30 workers were able to escape and were transported to a safe location by the Madison County Transit Department.

According to the National Weather Service, the deadliest tornado in history had a death toll of 695. The number of fatalities from Friday's storm is not yet clear.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson released statements on Twitter.

"My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight, and I've reached out to the mayor to provide any needed state resources," Pritzker said.

Pritzker said Illinois State Police and Ready Illinois are coordinating to help local agencies.

"I want our responders and all neighbors who acted selflessly to help their neighbors stay safe to know how much their efforts are appreciated by all Missourians," Parson wrote on Twitter.

Watch ABC 17 News at 6 and 10 p.m.