Kentucky candle factory bosses threatened to fire those who fled tornado, say workers

Night shift employees report managers took roll call as tornado bore down to be sure no one had left without permission

Workers at a Kentucky candle factory have said they pleaded with managers to be allowed to leave as a deadly tornado barreled towards them last weekend - but say they were told they would be fired if they left their posts.

The barrage of tornadoes that tore through Kentucky and surrounding states killed a dozen children, including a two-month-old infant, Governor Andy Beshear said on Tuesday. A total of 74 people died in Kentucky, with the oldest victim at 98 years old. Eight people have yet to be identified. More than 18,000 homes remained without power on Tuesday.