The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has launched an inquiry into allegations surrounding an Erwin plastics factory after multiple workers were reported dead or missing following the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene. The investigation was initiated at the request of 1st Judicial District Attorney General Steve Finney, who is seeking to uncover any potential criminal violations linked to the tragic events of September 27, 2024.
Leslie Earhart, a spokesperson for the TBI, confirmed the agency’s involvement but referred additional questions to the District Attorney General’s Office. In a statement, Finney emphasized the need for a thorough review of the circumstances that led to this disaster.
Impact Plastics, the factory in question, acknowledged awareness of the investigation but stated that they have not yet been contacted by the TBI. The company expressed its commitment to cooperate fully while conducting its own internal review of the events leading up to the flooding.
Survivors and family members of the missing workers have alleged that employees were instructed to report for duty despite the hurricane’s imminent threat, with some claiming they were denied permission to leave before floodwaters overwhelmed the factory’s parking lot. Robert “Robby” Jarvis, a survivor, recounted his futile attempts to leave, stating, “I just wish we never went to work that day. Because it was unnecessary; all these lives we lost because of that. It was wrong.”
Among the victims was 56-year-old Bertha Mendoza, whose son confirmed to NBC News that she died after being swept away while trying to escape. Another worker, Lidia Verdugo, also lost her life when she fell from a vehicle attempting to rescue her.
Additionally, the Tennessee All-Hazard Incident Management Team is investigating whether language barriers contributed to the tragic circumstances, with the 911 director reviewing dispatch logs for further insight.
While Impact Plastics has expressed sympathy for the victims, they maintain that employees were allowed to leave, asserting that bilingual staff provided warnings during the emergency. The company reported that five workers and a contractor were on a truck that was overturned in the floodwaters. Both state officials and the company are withholding the names of the deceased out of respect for their families.
