As Hurricane Helene unleashed torrential rains across the Southeast, tragedy struck a small plastics factory in Erwin, Tennessee. Eleven workers at Impact Plastics were caught in devastating flash floods, with only five of them surviving. The storm has taken a heavy toll across multiple states, and the desperate search for those still missing continues.
A race against time at Impact Plastics
At the height of Hurricane Helene’s wrath, employees at the rural Tennessee plastics plant were still at work. The storm had been worsening, but it wasn’t until floodwaters began to rise and the power went out that the facility shut down and sent its workers home. By then, for many, it was too late.
Eleven workers were swept away by the rushing floodwaters as they attempted to escape the plant. Tragically, only five were rescued, while two were confirmed dead, adding to the storm’s growing death toll, which exceeded 150 by Tuesday. Four others remain unaccounted for, lost to the powerful floodwaters.
Videos taken during the ordeal show the nearby Nolichucky River overflowing, turning roads into rivers and trapping cars. Some workers managed to flee in their vehicles, but others weren’t so lucky. Jacob Ingram, a mold changer at Impact Plastics, recorded his terrifying experience as he and four others waited for rescue, with their vehicles bobbing in the water. Later, he shared his harrowing escape on social media, posting, “Just wanna say I’m lucky to be alive.”
The heroic rescue effort
In the midst of the chaos, a green Tennessee National Guard helicopter hovered above the stranded workers. Footage from the rescue shows one survivor being hoisted into the air by a soldier in a harness, while Ingram and others awaited their turn. It was a scene of relief in a moment of sheer terror.
While Ingram and four others survived, questions have emerged about the factory’s response. Impact Plastics issued a statement saying it monitored weather conditions and dismissed employees once the parking lot began to flood. However, some workers, including Ingram, dispute this claim. They argue that management waited too long to send them home, despite flash flood warnings.
“They should’ve evacuated when we got the flash flood warnings,” Ingram told local news outlets. “We asked if we should leave, but they said it wasn’t bad enough yet.”
Survivors recount their narrow escape
Robert Jarvis, another worker at the plant, shared his experience with News 5 WCYB, describing the terrifying moments as the water rose around him. “I tried to drive away, but the water was too high. A guy in a 4×4 saved us, or we would’ve been dead too.”
The group found temporary refuge on the back of a truck, but their ordeal wasn’t over. The truck tipped over after hitting debris, throwing the workers back into the flood. Ingram survived by clinging to plastic pipes that had washed onto the truck, floating half a mile downstream before finding safety on a pile of debris.
A company and community in mourning
In the aftermath of the disaster, Impact Plastics expressed its sorrow for the loss of life. “We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees,” company founder Gerald O’Connor said. “Those who are missing or deceased, and their families, are in our thoughts and prayers.”
As the community mourns, the search for the four missing workers continues, while recovery teams work tirelessly across the affected states. Survivors are not only dealing with the loss of loved ones but also struggling to find basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Many families are turning to online fundraising campaigns to help cover funeral costs and other expenses.
The human toll of Hurricane Helene
The two workers confirmed dead at the Tennessee factory were Mexican nationals, according to the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. One of the victims, Bertha Mendoza, was with her sister when the flooding began, but the two became separated in the chaos. Mendoza’s family shared a heartfelt tribute on her GoFundMe page, remembering her as a beloved member of the community, her church, and her workplace.
As rescue efforts continue, the death toll from Hurricane Helene is expected to rise. Across Tennessee and other affected states, survivors are grappling with the aftermath, and many are facing barriers to accessing basic services. The damage caused by the flooding is immense, and it may take weeks or even months for communities to begin to recover fully.
Fact check
- Hurricane Helene has caused over 150 deaths across multiple states, with Tennessee particularly hard hit by flash floods.
- Eleven workers from Impact Plastics in Erwin, TN, were swept away by floodwaters, with only five rescued. Four remain missing, and two have been confirmed dead.
- Videos show the rising floodwaters of the Nolichucky River sweeping away vehicles and flooding the area surrounding the factory.
- Impact Plastics stated they monitored the weather and dismissed employees when flooding became severe, but workers dispute the timing of the evacuation.
- Tennessee National Guard conducted helicopter rescues to save trapped workers, with footage of the efforts shared on social media.
Conclusion: A community in need of healing
The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene has left communities like Erwin, Tennessee, shattered. The loss of life, the destruction of homes and businesses, and the ongoing search for the missing are heavy burdens that will take time to heal. While rescue efforts continue and families mourn, there is a growing call for accountability in how this tragedy unfolded. The resilience of those who survived is remarkable, but their stories also highlight the importance of swift action in the face of natural disasters. As the region moves forward, it will take a combined effort of community support, government aid, and corporate responsibility to rebuild what has been lost.
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