DA: TBI investigating Impact Plastics flood response

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) will investigate allegations involving Erwin-based Impact Plastics’ leadership’s actions during Friday’s flooding, the local district attorney announced Wednesday.

Impact Plastics employee recounts narrow escape through floodwater in Erwin

First Judicial District Attorney General Steve Finney spoke with TBI early Tuesday morning, according to a release from his office.

“I asked that they review the occurrences of Friday, September 27, 2024, to identify any potential criminal violations,” Finney said in the release.

The allegations referenced relate to whether, as water rapidly rose in a low-lying Erwin industrial park, Impact Plastics management didn’t send employees home soon enough, gave them the impression they weren’t free to leave or specifically forbade them from leaving until it was too late.

The bodies of three employees reportedly have been found, and three others are reportedly still missing.

The TBI confirmed its agents were “investigating allegations involving Impact Plastics” and referred all other questions to Finney’s office, which said it would have no further comment until the investigation concludes.

A public relations professional authorized to speak on behalf of Impact Plastics told News Channel 11 that as of Wednesday, the company has not been contacted by the TBI but will cooperate with the investigation. Impact Plastics is also reportedly conducting its own internal review of activities and timelines from Sept. 27.

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