Tragedy Strikes Tennessee Plastics Factory as Hurricane Helene Leaves Death Toll Rising

 

A plastics factory in Erwin, Tennessee, has become the site of tragedy as several employees have been reported dead or missing due to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene. The storm, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday, has claimed over 130 lives across five southeastern states, and officials warn that this number is expected to increase as floodwaters recede and rescue efforts continue.

Impact Plastics confirmed the loss of life at its facility but has not disclosed the exact number of fatalities. The company acknowledged that both employees and a contractor are among the deceased or missing.

Jacob Ingram, a mold changer at the factory, expressed frustration over the management's response as flooding began. He recounted that employees were instructed to move their vehicles away from rising waters but were not permitted to leave the premises. “They should’ve evacuated when we got the flash flood warnings,” he told the Knoxville News Sentinel. Ingram and several coworkers later attempted to escape by climbing onto an open-bed truck, but debris caused the vehicle to flip, throwing two people into the water.

Fernando Ruiz shared his concerns for his mother, who was working during the heavy rainfall. He urged her to leave, but she reported that management had not provided any guidance as conditions worsened. The company, however, disputed claims that employees were ordered to stay, stating that management dismissed workers to allow them to return home in time to escape the flooding.

The company's founder, Gerald O’Connor, expressed devastation over the loss, stating, “We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees. Those who are missing or deceased and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.” Among the victims identified is 56-year-old Bertha Mendoza, who was reportedly separated from her sister while trying to stay afloat.

Family members of factory workers have taken to social media in search of loved ones, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) noted difficulties faced by those affected in accessing help from authorities, particularly for non-English speakers, complicating efforts to identify missing persons.

In response to the devastation, President Joe Biden plans to conduct aerial tours of the affected areas in North and South Carolina on Wednesday, assessing the damage and meeting with first responders and local officials.