It is believed that several employees of the Downstream Casino Resort were killed by the devastating tornado that ripped through the town of Joplin in the US state of Missouri this week.

A total of 122 people died in the disaster as the twister caused havoc in an area one mile wide and six miles long. Michael Crump, the owner of gaming training company Innovative Gaming Solutions, said on LinkedIn: "The casino was saved from the tornado and it is playing a huge role in supporting the rescue team, the people who lost their homes and the city itself. The casino has more than 50 employees who have lost their homes and I believe several employees were killed.

"Rescue teams are housed in the casino’s hotel, the convention area is housing the homeless and shelters are in the parking lot. They are doing this while trying to maintain operations with a very limit staff. Many of their employees live in Joplin. I am asking you to help support them if you can. They need toiletries and items to help the homeless. They are also compiling a list of things needed for their employees that are now homeless or who have lost loved ones."