ERWIN, Tenn. — Impact Plastics in Erwin stated on Monday that some employees were missing or dead following Friday's flood.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees,” said Gerald O’Connor, who founded the company in Erwin in 1987. “Those who are missing or deceased, and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.”
The company stated that when water began to cover the parking lot and the adjacent service road and the plant lost power, employees were dismissed to return to their homes. The company claimed at no time were employees told that they would be fired if they left.
"For employees who were non-English speaking, bi-lingual employees were among the group of managers who delivered the message," the company stated.
The company said most employees left immediately, but "some remained on or near the premises for unknown reasons."
As the flooding got worse, the company said some employees left the industrial park using a truck owned by a neighboring company and driven by a driver employed by that company. Others departed by the CSX railroad behind the facility.
The company stated due to the rising water, the truck tipped over and five employees and a contractor went missing. Five others who were on the truck when it tipped over made it to safety.
No names have been released. The company stated in an email that no additional statement related to the matter is planned.
This story was originally published by WCYB.
