Jeff Bezos ripped for celebrating space trip after Amazon warehouse collapse

The Amazon founder has been hammered for celebrating a flight to space, just hours after at least six of his employees were killed.

Jeff Bezos was blasted on Saturday for cheering on his latest group of space tourists while making no mention of the deaths of at least six workers in an Amazon warehouse hit by a tornado.

Authorities have confirmed that at least six workers died and some remain missing after an Amazon warehouse in Illinois collapsed on Friday night due to severe weather.

Now, the Amazon founder is under fire after he greeted former NFL star Michael Strahan and the other five members of the latest crew of his New Shepard rocket after the 10-minute flight landed in West Texas, without addressing the tragedy.

“Welcome back, guys,” Bezos said, as he opened the capsule door after their return.

The New York Post reported, prior to the flight, that he posted a photo on Instagram of himself with the space flight crew and the comment, “Happy crew this morning in the training centre” — but made no mention on the social media site of the tragedy at the Amazon warehouse in Illinois.

“You should worry about the tornado situation more,” one woman commented.

While Bezos made no personal comment, Amazon released a statement on the tragedy before he put up his Instagram space post. Amazon did not immediately return a request for comment. Picture: Getty Images

The billionaire celebrated his space success in the midst of the tragedy unfolding in Edwardsville, Illinois, where search and rescue operations continued at an Amazon warehouse that saw part of its roof ripped off and a sizeable wall collapse late on Friday.

While some 30 workers managed to escape, it was unclear how many might still be trapped in the football-field sized rubble.

“It’s really sickening if you want my honest opinion,” Twitter user Joshua Dyer posted over video of Strahan celebrating after the rocket landed.

“Jeff Bezos has said absolutely NOTHING on the lives lost at his facility in Illinois after a catastrophic tornado left numerous workers trapped. But sure, go play wannabe space men for 10 minutes. Unreal.”

“SHAME ON JEFF BEZOS!!!” posted another Twitter user.

“He was in West TEXAS today! His employees lives were lost! He could have taken a 1 1/2 hour flight to St Louis which is only a 30-minute drive from the airport to visit his poorly constructed climate change Amazon warehouse that was destroyed by a tornado!”

“Really struggling with my rage since Jeff Bezos blasted his major carbon polluting rocket this morning after Amazon workers died in a rare December tornado last night,” commented Twitter user @red_baiting.

Jeff Bezos has been slammed on Twitter. Picture: Getty Images

While Bezos made no personal comment, Amazon released a statement on the tragedy before he put up his Instagram space post. Amazon did not immediately return a request for comment.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted,” Amazon spokesman Richard Rocha in a statement, adding that the company was assessing the situation.

“This is a devastating tragedy for our Amazon family and our focus is on supporting our employees and partners.”

This story was originally published by the New York Post and has been reproduced with permission.