Additional Coverage:
- Tennessee factory target of probe after reports floods trapped workers, led to deaths (newsbreak.com)
Tennessee Officials Investigate Allegations Against Impact Plastics
Tennessee officials are investigating reports that managers at Impact Plastics failed to dismiss employees promptly as floodwaters from Hurricane Helene rose last week. Employees were reportedly swept away by the flash floods.
TOSHA and TBI Investigate Workplace Fatalities
The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) are working together to determine the cause of the workplace fatalities at Impact Plastics. Allegations suggest that employees may have been prevented from leaving until it was too late.
Company Denies Allegations
Impact Plastics denies the allegations, stating that employees were given time to evacuate and that managers remained on-site to oversee departures. The company is conducting an internal review and will release its findings to the public.
Death Toll Rises, Missing Individuals Remain
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has surpassed 200 across six states, with two confirmed dead and four missing from Impact Plastics. Authorities have not confirmed if all fatalities and missing individuals are associated with the company.
Eyewitness Video Raises Concerns
A video filmed by an Impact Plastics employee shows employees stranded and waiting for rescue as floodwaters surged around them. The video has drawn the attention of the District Attorney General, who has requested an investigation into potential criminal violations.