In a tragic event that has shocked the nation, several workers at Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee, were swept away by floodwaters on September 27 as they clung to a truck for survival. The Nolichucky River, swollen by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, turned deadly as it flooded the industrial park where the factory is located. Despite their efforts to hold on, at least five employees lost their lives, and one remains missing.
Impact Plastics, Tennessee… 😔 pic.twitter.com/j4QK27ahc6
— JoCanada™ ✝️🍁🇨🇦🚑 (@NewellMartell) October 4, 2024
The harrowing situation unfolded when employees were reportedly not given enough time to escape the approaching flood. Workers, including those who survived, have shared their accounts of that fateful day. Jacob Ingram, a factory employee, revealed that they were not warned in time. “No one said anything,” Ingram stated, explaining that they were told to move their cars as floodwaters rose around them. Moments later, the workers were caught in the torrent.
Employees of Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee were told to stay and work while their executives left.
Now the CEO is saying they have missing and deceased employees and is denying that they told employees that they had to work.
Shameful.pic.twitter.com/87DRXFFenA
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) September 30, 2024
Gerald O’Connor, the founder and CEO of Impact Plastics, offered a different version of events. In a video message, he stated that employees were informed to leave 45 minutes before the floodwaters hit. He expressed his sorrow for the lost employees, saying, “We are heartbroken as you are about our loss and will keep those who have now passed in our hearts forever.” However, this account has been challenged by survivors who say they were not given adequate time to evacuate.
The situation has prompted multiple investigations. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) are both examining whether the company adhered to proper safety procedures during the disaster.
The factory, which manufactures plastic parts for industries ranging from automotive to household goods, has faced scrutiny in the past for safety violations. TOSHA had previously cited Impact Plastics for four serious safety violations in 2010, resulting in thousands of dollars in penalties.
For the families of the victims, the loss has been devastating. Five workers have been confirmed dead: Sibrina Barnett, Monica Hernandez, Bertha Mendoza, Johnny Peterson, and Lidia Verdugo. Another employee, Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso, remains missing, and search efforts continue. The Tennessee Immigrants and Refugee Rights Coalition has been working with the families of the victims, many of whom are immigrants.
Six workers at Impact Plastics lost their lives in the recent Tennessee floods. When you call people "human resources" it's a quick slide down to treating them like equipment. Death toll for Hurricane Helene passes 100. #PeopleOverProfit #WorkersSafety #NCFlooding #ImpactPlastics pic.twitter.com/2SoAPNKx07
— Asbestos Claims (@ClaimsAsbestos) October 1, 2024
The impact of the flood on Erwin’s small community has been profound. The industrial park where Impact Plastics is located was particularly hard hit, with nearby Unicoi County Hospital requiring a helicopter evacuation of staff and patients. As authorities continue their investigations, questions remain about whether this tragedy could have been prevented.
