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Dispute Deepens Over Tennessee Factory Flood Deaths as Safety Agency Clears Employer

TOSHA concludes Impact Plastics acted with reasonable diligence in evacuating workers, but families of victims strongly challenge the findings, alleging negligence and ignored evidence.

FILE - Damage caused by flooding from Hurricane Helene is seen around Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tenn., on Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
FILE - Impact Plastics Inc. is seen on Nov. 22, 2024, in Erwin, Tenn. Multiple workers died trying to escape flood waters during Hurricane Helene in September. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
FILE - Daniel Delgado reaches to touch a photo of his wife, Monica Hernandez, who died at Impact Plastics during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, at a vigil for victims of the tragedy in Erwin, Tenn., Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Overview

  • TOSHA's investigation found that Impact Plastics gave employees sufficient time to evacuate before Hurricane Helene's floodwaters struck, deeming the deaths not work-related.
  • Victims' families and their attorneys dispute TOSHA's findings, citing overlooked evidence such as witness testimonies, emergency alert logs, and text messages.
  • Six people, including five employees and one contractor, died after floodwaters overwhelmed a semi-trailer where they had sought refuge, while others escaped using makeshift routes.
  • The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's separate probe into the incident remains ongoing, alongside a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against Impact Plastics and its founder.
  • Critics argue that inadequate emergency plans and destroyed safety records reflect systemic failures, with some neighboring businesses evacuating earlier and avoiding casualties.