The Incident: A Deadly Flood
In a devastating incident linked to the remnants of Hurricane Helene, 11 workers at Impact Plastics, a factory located in Erwin, Tennessee Plastics Factory , were swept away by sudden flooding from the nearby Nolichucky River. The factory, situated in a small, rural community, became the scene of a tragedy that left two workers confirmed dead and four others still missing. This catastrophic event is part of a larger toll across six states, with the death count exceeding 160.
The Circumstances Leading to the Flood
As heavy rains caused the Nolichucky River to swell, many employees at Impact Plastics continued to work despite worsening weather conditions. Eyewitness accounts suggest that some workers felt they were not allowed to leave the facility in a timely manner, even as warnings of impending flash floods were issued. The factory finally shut down only when floodwaters began inundating the parking lot and power outages occurred.
Workers reported that by the time they were dismissed, it was already too late. Video footage captured by one worker, Jacob Ingram, shows him and several others awaiting rescue while floodwaters surged around them. “Just wanna say I’m lucky to be alive,” he captioned his post on social media, highlighting the chaos that unfolded that day.
The fury of the Nolichucky River… and the Waterville Dam has burst… pic.twitter.com/YgRe83H6aU
— Southern Nordic (@SoNo762x39) September 27, 2024Investigation Launched by State Authorities
In response to the tragedy, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initiated an inquiry into the events surrounding the factory’s operations during the flooding. Local prosecutor Steven R. Finney requested the investigation to examine potential criminal violations related to the incident.
The company, Impact Plastics, stated that it was closely monitoring weather conditions and only dismissed employees when the situation became critical. However, testimonies from workers contradict this assertion. Ingram and another employee, Robert Jarvis, insisted that they urged supervisors to allow them to evacuate earlier but were told to remain on-site.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Harrowing Escape
As the floodwaters rose, several employees attempted to escape the factory. Jarvis described how he tried to leave in his vehicle but found himself trapped on a road where water levels rose perilously high. “Only off-road vehicles were finding ways out of the flood zone,” he said, recounting how a passerby in a 4×4 truck saved several workers.
Ingram and his colleagues initially found temporary refuge on the back of a truck, but chaos ensued when the vehicle tipped over due to debris. Ingram recounted clinging to plastic pipes for survival as they floated for about half a mile, eventually reaching safety on a sturdy pile of debris.
Impact on the Community
The loss of life has sent shockwaves through the community of Erwin. The two confirmed fatalities were identified as Mexican citizens, prompting the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition to assist their families in organizing online fundraisers to cover funeral costs. Bertha Mendoza, one of the victims, was reportedly separated from her sister during the flooding. A heartfelt eulogy on her GoFundMe page spoke of her deep connection to her family and community.
Company’s Response and Accountability
Impact Plastics expressed its sorrow over the loss of employees, with founder Gerald O’Connor stating, “We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees.” The company’s statement emphasized that employees were never told they would face repercussions for leaving early. Yet, conflicting accounts from workers raise questions about the company’s evacuation protocols during such emergencies.
Employees like Zinna Adkins have come forward to voice their concerns. “We were all talking to the supervisors and telling everybody, ‘Look, we don’t need to be here,’” she recalled. “Our phone alerts were saying we need to flee the areas, but supervisors didn’t say anything about it.”
The Aftermath: Continuing Search and Rescue Efforts
In the wake of the disaster, rescue operations have been complicated by the widespread devastation caused by the floods. With electricity and communication lines down, locating those who remain unaccounted for has been challenging for local and state officials. The industrial park where Impact Plastics is located experienced severe flooding, comparable to nearly twice the volume of water that cascades over Niagara Falls.
Nearby, Unicoi County Hospital had to execute dramatic helicopter rescues of staff and patients stranded on the roof as the river overflowed. The community is grappling with the aftermath of this disaster, as residents seek to recover from the devastation and come to terms with the tragic losses they have suffered.
A Call for Accountability
As investigations continue and the community mourns, the tragedy at Impact Plastics serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of workplace safety protocols, especially in the face of natural disasters. The lives lost and the ongoing search for missing workers highlight the urgent need for companies to prioritize employee safety and ensure clear communication during emergencies. As the state of Tennessee seeks answers, families affected by this tragedy are left to navigate their grief while advocating for justice and accountability.
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