Tennessee State Authorities Investigate Deaths in East Tennessee Flooding at Impact Plastics Plant
The state of Tennessee is conducting investigations into the deaths of three people at an East Tennessee plastics plant, where workers were allegedly forced to remain as floodwaters from Hurricane Helene rose to dangerous levels. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe at the request of the district attorney general, while the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The flood at the Erwin plant resulted in the deaths of three workers, with three others missing. The region is currently facing a historic flood that has claimed the lives of 11 Tennesseans and left 23 missing. President Joe Biden has deployed troops to the area, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made disaster assistance available to help with recovery efforts.
The investigation will determine whether management at Impact Plastics failed to evacuate workers in a timely manner or prevented them from leaving the facility. Impact Plastics has expressed sympathy for the missing and deceased employees and is cooperating with the investigation. The state is also assisting with search and recovery efforts for missing individuals in the region.
The flooding has caused widespread damage, with hundreds of homes destroyed or damaged, bridges washed out, and roads closed. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to provide assistance to affected residents, and the state of Tennessee is mobilizing resources to aid in the recovery efforts. Information on donations, clean-up efforts, and assistance programs can be found on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency website.
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Photo credit tennesseelookout.com
