Impact Plastics Addresses ‘Missing and Deceased Employees’ After Floods

A plastics manufacturer in Unicoi County, Tennessee, has expressed deep sympathy after several employees either went missing or lost their lives following catastrophic flooding at its facility. Impact Plastics, located in the Riverview Industrial Park in Erwin, issued a press release on Monday acknowledging the tragic loss and expressing heartfelt condolences to the affected families. “We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees,” said Gerald O’Connor, the founder of Impact Plastics. “Those who are missing or deceased, and their families, are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Flooding Chaos and Employee Evacuation

The company explained that it had been monitoring weather conditions throughout the morning on Friday, September 27, following intense rainfall the night before. As the flooding worsened, water began to cover the parking lot and nearby service road, leading to a power outage at the plant. Management decided to dismiss employees and encouraged them to leave for their safety.

According to the release, employees were told they could leave without fear of losing their jobs, and bilingual managers were present to ensure non-English-speaking workers received the message. While most employees immediately departed, a small number remained behind, though the reason for their delay is still unclear. Senior management and assistants stayed at the facility a little longer to safeguard company records, assess the damage, and oversee the departure of the remaining employees. They were the last to leave the building.

Dangerous Escape and Missing Workers

As the floodwaters rose rapidly, some employees sought alternative means of escape. A group of employees left the industrial park in a truck provided by a neighboring company, driven by one of its employees. Tragically, the truck was tipped over due to the rising water levels, and five employees, along with a contractor, went missing. Fortunately, five others who were also in the truck managed to escape to safety and were later evacuated.

Another group of employees, who had opted to leave the facility via the CSX railroad tracks behind the plant, were offered assistance by employees of an adjacent company. These individuals were able to evacuate the area safely. In response to the unfolding crisis, senior management requested assistance from the National Guard, which deployed a helicopter to search for remaining employees. The aircraft successfully airlifted five individuals to safety, adding a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.

Recovery Efforts and Future Reopening Plans

Impact Plastics is actively organizing recovery efforts to help affected employees, providing them with information on benefits and job opportunities. The company is committed to supporting its workers through this difficult time.

Although Impact Plastics plans to resume operations, no specific date for reopening has been provided. The company reiterated its dedication to assisting its employees and helping them connect to available resources in the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding. “Impact Plastics remains committed to assisting its employees and helping them rebuild after the devastating effects of the floods,” the company stated.