Helene Floodwaters Swept 11 Tennessee Factory Workers Away. At Least 4 Remain Missing

Mar. 15, 2025

An aerial view of flood damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Erwin, Tenn.Photo:George Walker IV/AP

George Walker IV/AP

At least four people remain missing and two are dead after they tried to evacuate from the rural Tennessee factory where they worked, as raging floodwaters from Hurricane Helene surrounded the facility, according to reports.

Employees at Impact Plastics claim they were told to stay at the factory in Erwin, Tenn. on Friday, Sept. 27, even as its parking lot became flooded and the power shut off,according to CBS affiliate WVLT.

“I didn’t hear anyone say ‘leave’ or nothing like that. I actually asked one of the higher ups,” employee Jacob Ingram told the station. “They told me ‘No, not yet.’ They had to ask someone before we were able to leave, even though it was already above the doors and the cars and everything else,” he claimed.

Ingramposted a series of videos on Facebookfrom his and his fellow co-workers’ attempts to flee the area.

One woman,later identified as Bertha Mendoza, was pronounced dead, and Impact Plastics confirmed the death of another employee, per the newspaper. Five of the workers were later rescued, according to the AP.

Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina.Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty

A representative with Impact Plastics did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for additional details.

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“Those who are missing or deceased, and their families are in our thoughts and prayers,” Impact Plastics founder and CEO Gerald O’Connor said.

“At no time were employees told that they would be fired if they left the facility,” he added. “For employees who were non-English speaking, bi-lingual employees were among the group of managers who delivered the message. While most employees left immediately, some remained on or near the premises for unknown reasons. Senior management and assistants remained to oversee employee departures, assess damage and preserve company records. They were the last to exit the building.”

Amid the chaotic scene and in the storm’s wake, those who worked at the plant are processing their grief.

“I lost six good friends. Co-workers,” Robbie Jarvis toldNBC News. “We were family there. We all joked all day long. I spent more time with them than anybody else in my family.”

source: people.com