Flood Tragedy At TN Company Raises Serious Questions About Liability

After the tragic deaths of at least five employees from Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee, questions are being raised about the company’s handling of safety during the catastrophic flooding. On September 27, as the Nolichucky River swelled from Hurricane Helene’s rain, several employees found themselves clinging to a truck for survival before being swept away. One worker remains missing, and the search continues.

CEO Gerald O’Connor expressed grief over the loss of his employees, saying in a statement that they were “great workers” and that the tragedy is “devastating.” However, survivors have painted a different picture of the events leading up to the disaster. Jacob Ingram, a factory worker, claimed that employees were not told to evacuate but were instead directed to move their vehicles, leaving many unprepared for the sudden rise of the water.

This has prompted state investigations by both the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA). Investigators are looking into whether proper evacuation procedures were in place and if workers were provided adequate warning to leave. O’Connor, in a video statement, said that employees were informed 45 minutes before the floodwaters arrived and denied that anyone was forced to stay.

Impact Plastics has a history of safety issues. According to TOSHA records, the company has been cited multiple times for safety violations, with the last significant review happening in 2010. These past concerns are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigations into the events of September 27.

For the victims’ families, the tragedy has been overwhelming. The five confirmed dead include Sibrina Barnett, Monica Hernandez, Bertha Mendoza, Johnny Peterson, and Lidia Verdugo. Authorities continue to search for Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso, who is still missing.