EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Dec. 10, 2021, will never be the same for those impacted by the tornado that touched down in the Metro East on that tragic Sunday.
Both Defiance, Missouri, and Edwardsville, Illinois, were impacted by EF-3 tornadoes leaving seven people dead—six people in Edwardsville and one in Defiance.
The EF3 tornado tore through the town, leaving destruction in its wake. One of the most profoundly affected areas was an Amazon Warehouse, resulting in the loss of six lives and leaving the community grappling with the aftermath.
"There were pieces of building everywhere, and big giant pieces of trees. It was pretty unbelievable," recounted Robin Misukonis, capturing the surreal and destructive nature of the tornado. The disaster not only affected the Amazon Warehouse but also reached surrounding neighborhoods, where homes were damaged and lives were forever altered.
Robin Misukonis lived only acres away from the Amazon Warehouse.
"There were big pieces of the building all in her yard. It just went over the top of her house and dropped into her garden," she said.
Two years later, the trauma of that fateful day still lingers in the memories of the community members. Roger Nance, who resides nearby, vividly recalls the emotional toll it took on his granddaughter.
"I remember it well. My granddaughter, the little one. She keeps going into the basement whenever it is thundering or lightning," Nance said, underscoring the lasting psychological impact on the community's younger members.
In the aftermath of the disaster, Amazon faced scrutiny and questions about the safety of its facilities. In response, a spokesperson for the company outlined measures implemented to ensure the safety of employees in the face of natural disasters.
These measures include emergency protocols, site-specific action plans, regular weather monitoring, yearly emergency response training, and assessments from organizations like OSHA. The spokesperson expressed condolences for the lives lost and emphasized Amazon's commitment to the Edwardsville community:
“We’ll always mourn those we lost two years ago in Edwardsville and remain grateful for the support we’ve received from the onset of the tragedy to today. Edwardsville is a strong community – and one that we’re committed to and honored to be a part of.”
Despite the challenges faced, the residents of Edwardsville remain resilient. While they acknowledge the tragic events of the past, there is a collective hope that such strength will not be tested again anytime soon. Roger Nance expressed his sorrow, stating, "I hate that it happened. So many people lost their lives." Robin Misukonis echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the tight-knit community: "You think about the street you grew up on. Everybody has been here for years and years, and you just hope it doesn't hit one of them."
Amazon plans to host internal remembrance ceremonies this weekend.