As many as 100 people were killed in overnight tornadoes that devastated many towns and cities across Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
Most of the deaths occurred in the town of Mayfield when a tornado destroyed a candle company. The building was completely destroyed – killing many of the workers inside.
The governor called it “one of the toughest nights in Kentucky history.”
Beshear has declared a state of emergency and National Guard troops have been dispatched along with heavy excavation equipment to search for those who might still be trapped in the rubble.
At least one of the workers posted a Facebook video begging for help as her coworkers moaned and wept in the rubble.
“I don’t know who’s watching,” a woman is heard saying. “We got hit by a hurricane. I’m at work in Mayfield and we are trapped. “Please y’all, give us some help. We are at the candle factory in Mayfield. Please, please. Y’all! Please send us some help. Somebody please send us some help, we are trapped.”
Video from the candle factory in Mayfield, Ky. (?:Brandon Robbins) Gov. Beshear confirmed at least 50 deaths in western Ky. following tornadoes Friday night>>> https://t.co/BuQpMh0rSu pic.twitter.com/GK4IlwzZKa
— KFVS News (@kfvsnews) December 11, 2021
A violent tornado has raked through Mayfield, #KYwx tonight. Numerous folks were hurt & trapped or missing inside the Mayfield Consumer Products building. S&R Continues. Building completely destroyed with vehicles in the roof of it. Governor reporting 50 fatalities in town. pic.twitter.com/LuzwL4xPwC
— Brett Adair (@AlaStormTracker) December 11, 2021
BREAKING: At least 50 people killed in Mayfield, KY in ovenight tornado, per Gov. Beshear.
— Julie Dolan (@WLKYJulie) December 11, 2021
?: Angela Robinson, @WLKY viewer pic.twitter.com/Q9dVUq9s86
Before/After of Graves County Courthouse in Mayfield, KY. #kywx pic.twitter.com/mWIphPrvIN
— Scott McClellan (@ALAWXChase) December 11, 2021
A tremendous amount at damage from the deadly tornado the hit Mayfield, KY. I’ll be reporting live starting at 6:00am eastern on @weatherchannel. #KYwx #tornado #tornadooutbreak pic.twitter.com/g2XasZe5FG
— Charles Peek (@CharlesPeekWX) December 11, 2021