Illinois tornado victim’s family sues Amazon over warehouse collapse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP/KMIZ)

The family of a delivery driver who died last month when a tornado collapsed the Amazon warehouse in central Illinois where he worked has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Austin McEwen, 26, claims workers at the facility were required to continue working instead of being told to evacuate when it was known of the possibility of a major tornado, according to the release. The lawsuit also states there was no safety plan or adequate emergency plan required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Further reports indicate that Amazon directed McEwen and five others that were killed to shelter in a bathroom when Amazon knew or should have known that this location would not protect them.

McEwen’s parents, Randy and Alice McEwen, allege that Amazon administrators knew severe weather was imminent but had no emergency plan nor evacuated employees from the fulfillment center.

OSHA has opened an investigation into workplace safety at the fulfillment center following the event, according to the law firm.

It is believed to be the first legal action taken in response to the deaths.