Brooke Martin
In December 2021, a tornado ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky, causing catastrophic damage to the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory. The storm killed at least nine people and injured many others, with over 100 people believed to be in the factory when the tornado hit. The factory was left in ruins, with only a portion of the structure still standing. The tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayfield and the surrounding areas, and the death toll across the state was feared to exceed 100. The candle factory, one of Mayfield's largest employers, was started by a local woman and employed around 250 people before the disaster.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Mayfield, Kentucky |
| Company Name | Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory |
| Number of People in the Factory | 110 |
| Number of Rescues | 40 |
| Number of Deaths | 9 |
| Date | 10th December 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
The candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky was flattened by a tornado
On December 10, 2021, a tornado ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky, flattening a candle factory where more than 100 people were working. The Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory was one of the town's largest employers, and many of its employees were inside the building when the tornado struck.
Governor Andy Beshear said that the storm was the "'most severe tornado event in Kentucky's history'" and that the state would likely see more than 70 deaths, with the death toll possibly exceeding 100 across the state. In the candle factory alone, Beshear predicted that there would be dozens of deaths. The tornado caused the factory's roof to collapse, and first responders were only able to rescue 40 workers from the rubble.
One employee, Kyanna Parsons-Perez, recounted feeling a gust of wind and her ears popping before everything fell on top of her and her coworkers. She was trapped under five feet of rubble for at least two hours before being rescued. Parsons-Perez broadcasted on Facebook Live during the ordeal, pleading for help and praying for her colleagues.
The tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayfield, including the historic Graves County Courthouse, which lost its clock tower, and the First United Methodist Church, which suffered roof and structural damage. The city was left without water, and power was out for miles. Search and rescue crews worked tirelessly to rescue individuals from the rubble, with at least 45 survivors reported.
In the aftermath of the tornado, employees of the candle factory filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they were threatened with termination if they left work despite the impending danger. The lawsuit also claimed that the company failed to train employees in emergency safety protocols and provided inadequate shelter during the tornado.
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There were 110 people in the factory when the tornado hit
On December 10, 2021, a tornado ripped through the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, causing catastrophic damage. The factory was destroyed, with the roof collapsing and cars and heavy machinery strewn on top of it.
The tornado struck at a particularly busy time for the factory, with many employees working extra hours due to the holiday season. The company was one of the largest employers in Mayfield, and the impact of the disaster was felt throughout the small community.
In the aftermath of the tornado, several employees filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they were threatened with termination if they left work before the tornado hit, despite having several hours of notice about the impending danger. The lawsuit also claimed that the company failed to train employees in emergency safety protocols and that there was inadequate shelter space during the tornado.
The impact of the tornado on the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory was devastating, with loss of life, injuries, and emotional trauma inflicted upon those inside the factory. The disaster also had a significant impact on the wider community of Mayfield, Kentucky, with the loss of one of its largest employers and the subsequent rescue and recovery efforts.
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At least 40 people were rescued
A tornado ripped through a candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, on Friday night, causing severe damage and leading to a rescue and recovery operation. The factory, Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory, was one of the largest employers in Mayfield, with many of its employees working extra hours due to the holiday season. It is estimated that around 110 people were inside the factory when the tornado struck.
Governor Andy Beshear stated that the death toll across the state may exceed 100, with dozens of fatalities expected in the candle factory alone. He described the devastation as "really tough," and expressed his prayers for the families of those affected. First responders were able to rescue at least 40 people from the factory, according to Beshear. However, the rescue efforts were challenging due to the extensive damage and hazardous conditions caused by the tornado.
Jeremy Creason, assistant fire chief for the city of Mayfield, described the scene as dire, with rescues beginning around 3:30 a.m. and continuing through the night. He mentioned seeing 55-gallon drums leaking corrosive chemicals, bent metal, and steel machinery. The fire chief also stated that crews had to crawl over casualties to rescue survivors. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the tireless work of the rescue crews.
One survivor, Kyanna Parsons-Perez, shared her terrifying experience. She recalled feeling a gust of wind and her ears popping before everything fell on them. She was trapped under five feet of rubble and had to be rescued by first responders. Parsons-Perez used Facebook Live to plead for help, with her panicked coworkers heard in the background. She expressed her concern for her coworkers and called for prayers and assistance.
The tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayfield, including damage to the historic Graves County Courthouse and the First United Methodist Church. The city's fire and police stations were also destroyed, and there was no water or power in the surrounding areas. The disaster led to a 7 p.m. curfew being imposed on Saturday.
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The death toll across the state may exceed 100
On December 11, 2021, a tornado ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky, flattening a candle factory with over 100 people inside. The Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory was destroyed, and many people were feared dead. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said that the death toll across the state may exceed 100.
Beshear held a news conference on Saturday, where he stated that about 110 people were in the factory when the tornado hit. At that time, around 40 people had been rescued from the rubble, and he feared that many lives would be lost. He said:
> We're going to lose a lot of lives in that facility, and I pray that there will be another rescue, I pray there will be another one or two, but it's a very dire situation at this point.
The governor added that it would be a miracle if anyone else was found alive. Search and rescue crews worked tirelessly through the night, navigating dangerous conditions such as leaking corrosive chemicals and heavy machinery.
The tornado caused catastrophic damage across multiple states, with Kentucky bearing the brunt of the destruction. Governor Beshear described it as "the most devastating tornado event in our state's history." The twister touched down for over 200 miles in Kentucky, causing fatalities across 10 counties or more. The exact death toll at the candle factory is unknown, but it is believed to be the largest loss of life in a single location in the state's history.
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Workers filed a lawsuit against the company
On December 10, 2021, a tornado ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky, hitting the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory. The factory was destroyed, and several workers lost their lives. In the aftermath, workers filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, alleging that they were not allowed to leave the premises despite the threat of an impending tornado.
The lawsuit, filed in the Graves Circuit Court, claimed that Mayfield Consumer Products showed a "flagrant indifference" to the rights and safety of its employees. According to the court documents, employees were threatened with disciplinary action and termination if they chose to leave despite tornado warning sirens. The plaintiffs, including Elijah Johnson and 109 "similarly situated employees", asserted that the company had multiple hours of notice about the impending danger but refused to let workers depart.
In response to the allegations, Mayfield Consumer Products denied any wrongdoing. The company's counsel stated that they had not yet had the opportunity to review the complaint but would respond appropriately. The company also established an emergency fund to assist affected employees and their families.
The lawsuit sought compensation, punitive damages, and legal fees for the impacted workers. Attorneys representing the employees emphasized the tragic outcome of the company's negligence, resulting in injuries and fatalities just before the holiday season. The lawsuit highlighted the emotional distress and financial burden endured by those who survived, as well as the devastating loss experienced by the families of those who perished.
The tornado caused extensive destruction in Mayfield, Kentucky, and the candle factory was one of the hardest-hit locations. The impact of the tornado on the factory resulted in a roof collapse and significant structural damage. Rescue and recovery efforts were challenging due to the presence of heavy machinery, collapsed buildings, and hazardous materials. The tornado's aftermath left the community reeling, with Governor Andy Beshear describing it as the "'most devastating tornado event' in the state's history."
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Frequently asked questions
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Yes, at least nine people were killed and many more injured.
There were about 110 people in the factory when the tornado hit, and only 40 rescues were made.
The tornado caused catastrophic damage to the factory, with the roof collapsing and the building being flattened.
Yes, several employees filed lawsuits against the company, alleging that they were threatened with termination if they left and that the company did not train them in emergency safety protocols.
