Family Sues Employer After Tennessee Worker Dies in Hurricane Helene Flood

The lawsuit alleges that the factory's management prioritized business over employee safety during the deadly flood.

Johnny Peterson, a 55-year-old factory worker, was among those who died in the floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene in Erwin, Tennessee.
The lawsuit claims Impact Plastics failed to implement an emergency action plan despite being in a federally-designated flood zone.
Peterson's family alleges that the CEO and senior management left the premises while instructing employees to stay put as floodwaters rose.
Surviving employees reported they were not allowed to evacuate until the factory lost power and their cars were submerged.
Investigations by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration are underway.