Contract employee at SC plant killed in tornado

SENECA, SC (WYFF) - An employee at an Upstate plant was killed Monday during a tornado, according to company spokeswoman.

The contract employee was working at the BorgWarner plant in Seneca when a tornado hit the area, according to Michelle Collins, director of marketing and public relations for the plant.

Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis confirmed there was a storm-related death in Oconee County. Addis said he would release more details later in the day.

Collins said four other employees were at the plant at the time. She said they have some minor injuries but are okay.

The WYFF News 4 weather team tracked the tornado that was on the ground in Seneca around 3:35 a.m.

Pierce Womack, with Pickens County Emergency Management, said three people were injured near Laurel and Hardy Lake roads. He said they were rescued after being trapped in three different homes. Womack said five other people in this area had minor injuries. At least 25 homes were damaged in that area, Womack said.

Sky 4 flew over the area Monday morning and found significant damage to the plant and the surrounding areas. Watch Sky 4 video above. More video below.

The National Weather Service will be in the area today to confirm the tornado and determine its strength.

The city of Seneca is under a curfew Monday night into Tuesday. Read more here.

More than 100 mph winds were measured in some areas overnight, according to WYFF News 4 Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus.

Clemson 911 dispatchers said there are reports of trees down across the Clemson University campus and reports of damage to homes in the area.

There is also some damage to boat docks along Lake Hartwell, as well as a lot of trees down in that area.

WYFF