Tragic Recovery: Final Victim Found After Tennessee Factory Flood

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ICARO Media Group
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02/11/2024 20h40

**Body of Last Missing Worker Recovered After Tennessee Flood**

Rescue workers in Tennessee have confirmed the recovery of the last missing person following the devastating flood caused by Hurricane Helene that struck a plastics factory in Erwin. The body of Rosa Andrade, 29, was found, marking a somber end to the tragedy that claimed six lives at Impact Plastics.

Rosa Andrade was among six employees who perished when the rapid floodwaters engulfed the facility. Surviving employees have reported that they were not permitted to leave until water levels had already inundated the plant's parking lot and a power outage occurred. In total, eleven people were swept away by the flood, and only five managed to be rescued.

Andrew Harris, Captain of Unicoi County Search and Rescue, announced that emergency teams discovered Andrade's body on Wednesday, more than a month after the Nolichucky River’s catastrophic flood on September 27. The tragic event has led to lawsuits against Impact Plastics and its owner, Gerald O'Connor, initiated by the families of the victims, including the family of Johnny Peterson. Peterson had attempted to escape by climbing onto a semi-trailer before being overwhelmed by the waters.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has begun probing allegations against Impact Plastics, following directives from the local prosecutor. Moreover, Tennessee's workplace safety office has launched its own inquiry to understand the circumstances surrounding the employees' deaths.

The six workers were part of a broader tragedy that saw over 200 fatalities in remote Appalachian towns as a result of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane has been marked as the deadliest to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, causing widespread power outages, disrupting cellular services, and destroying essential drinking water systems.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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