State authorities in Tennessee are investigating the company that owns a plastics factory where 11 workers were swept away by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The Impact Plastics factory in Erwin, Tennessee, continued operations despite the rising water levels from the nearby Nolichucky River. Several employees claimed they were not allowed to leave in time to avoid the storm’s impact. The factory only shut down and sent workers home when water flooded the parking lot and the power went out, leading to the tragic loss of 11 lives with only five workers being rescued. The death toll from the flooding across six states has surpassed 180.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Leslie Earhart announced that the agency is investigating allegations involving Impact Plastics at the direction of the local prosecutor. District Attorney Steven R. Finney requested the investigation into potential criminal violations related to the events that took place at the factory on Friday. The workplace safety office in the state has also initiated its own probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The company has not been contacted by the TBI yet but has committed to fully cooperating with their investigation and plans to release an internal review to the public.
Workers at the Impact Plastics factory described the harrowing experience of being caught in the floodwaters, with some managing to drive away while others were trapped on a clogged road that was inundated by water. Videos shared on social media captured the desperate moments as the floodwaters covered the nearby highway and the doors of the factory. Workers who were stranded waited for rescue on the back of a truck driven by a passerby, but the truck eventually tipped over, forcing them to cling to plastic pipes and debris to survive. The workers faced a treacherous half-mile journey amid the raging floodwaters before finding safety.
Family members of the workers involved in the tragedy have expressed their grief and anguish over the loss of their loved ones. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover funeral expenses and other costs for the victims. The confirmed dead at the factory are Mexican citizens, and their families are in the process of arranging for their final farewells. The Impact Plastics company founder expressed sadness over the loss of the employees and extended thoughts and prayers to the families affected by the tragedy. Investigation into the handling of the situation at the factory continues, with calls for accountability to prevent such incidents in the future.
The survivors of the flooding have shared their accounts of the terrifying ordeal, including being stranded on a semi-truck as the floodwaters rose around them. Despite facing life-threatening situations, some managed to find safety and are now recovering from their injuries. One of the workers, Jacob Ingram, recounted the moments of fear and uncertainty as he clung to debris in the flooded waters. His father, Michael Graham, emphasized the need for accountability in ensuring the safety of workers in similar situations in the future. The investigation into the company’s actions and response to the flood continues as authorities seek to understand the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of lives.
The impact of Hurricane Helene’s flooding in Tennessee and across several other states has been devastating, with communities grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster. The images of the flood damage and rescue efforts depict the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by both first responders and residents. As the investigation into the events at the plastics factory unfolds, questions remain about the decisions made by the company and the authorities in handling the emergency. The lessons learned from this tragedy may lead to improvements in disaster preparedness and response protocols to prevent similar loss of life in the future.
