As a catastrophic tornado approached this city Friday, employees of a candle factory — which would later be destroyed — heard the warning sirens and wanted to leave the building.
But at least five workers said supervisors warned employees that they would be fired if they left their shifts early according to a new report from NBC News. For hours, as word of the coming storm spread, as many as 15 workers beseeched managers to let them take shelter at their own homes, only to have their requests rebuffed, the workers said.
Fearing for their safety, some left during their shifts regardless of the repercussions. At least eight people died in the Mayfield Consumer Products factory, which makes scented candles. The facility was leveled, and all that is left is rubble.
Photos and videos of its widespread mangled remains have become symbols of the enormous destructive power of Friday’s tornado system. The Daily Beast reported that at least four employees who spoke to the outlet said more than a dozen people begged supervisors to let them shelter at home, to no avail. “If you leave, you’re more than likely to be fired,” 21-year-old McKayla Emery said from her hospital bed. “I heard that with my own ears.” Still, as many as 15 workers left anyway.
