A plastics factory is under investigation after 11 workers were carried away by floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene.
Tennessee state authorities on Wednesday said they are investigating a plastics factory where 11 workers were swept away by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene.
The incident occurred at Impact Plastics in the small town of Erwin on Friday, where employees continued working despite rising waters from the nearby Nolichucky River. As the situation worsened, workers were reportedly delayed in their efforts to evacuate the factory, and by the time the parking lot flooded and power went out, it was too late as 11 people were carried away.
Only five of the workers who were swept away have been rescued, while two have been confirmed dead. The search continues for the four others still missing. The disaster is part of the broader destruction left behind by Helene, which has claimed more than 160 lives across six states.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, acting on a request from District Attorney Steven R. Finney, said the agency is investigating allegations involving Impact Plastics.
In addition, Finney said in a statement that he asked the bureau to look into any potential criminal violations related to the « occurrences » on Friday.
