Gerald O’Connor, the CEO of Impact Plastics, is currently facing serious allegations after the tragic deaths of factory workers during Hurricane Helene. Reports suggest that O’Connor made the decision to leave his employees behind during the storm in order to meet production deadlines, leading to the heartbreaking drowning of several workers. As legal proceedings continue, O’Connor’s actions are being closely examined, especially by the families of the deceased who are seeking justice.
The small town of Erwin, Tennessee, was hit hard by Hurricane Helene on September 27th, causing devastation and claiming the lives of two Impact Plastics workers. One of the victims, Johnny Peterson, aged 55, was among 11 employees who were trapped in the factory during the hurricane. While five workers were rescued, two lost their lives, and four remain missing. Peterson’s family has taken legal action against the company and its CEO, blaming O’Connor’s reckless decision for their loved one’s death.
Impact Plastics, founded by Gerald O’Connor in 1987, has been a significant part of the local economy in Erwin, manufacturing custom parts for various industries. However, the success of the company was overshadowed by the events of Hurricane Helene, which led to the temporary closure of the plant due to severe flooding in the area. Unfortunately, this closure came too late for the employees who were left behind during the storm.
The lawsuit filed by Johnny Peterson’s family provides a detailed timeline of events leading up to the tragedy. Despite early warnings from the National Weather Service advising residents to evacuate, O’Connor allegedly forced his employees to continue working under the threat of termination if they left before completing their tasks. As the floodwaters began to rise, O’Connor and other executives evacuated the premises without informing the workers, leaving them trapped inside when the factory was breached.
One survivor, Robert Jarvis, recounted the chaos and fear as the floodwaters engulfed the factory. He expressed regret over the tragic loss of his colleagues, emphasizing that they should never have been in that situation. Jarvis highlighted the lack of a clear evacuation plan and the confusion caused by conflicting orders from management during the crisis.
In response to the backlash, Gerald O’Connor released a video statement defending his actions, claiming that all employees had been given 45 minutes to evacuate before he left the factory. However, his statements have been met with skepticism, with many questioning the accuracy of his account and pointing out discrepancies in the timeline of events. Social media users have been particularly critical of O’Connor’s handling of the situation, accusing him of negligence and insensitivity towards his employees’ safety.
As the legal process unfolds, Johnny Peterson’s family seeks to hold O’Connor accountable for his alleged negligence that resulted in their loss. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is conducting its own inquiry into the events of that fateful day, and O’Connor has pledged to cooperate with the investigation. The outcome of these investigations will determine the extent of O’Connor’s responsibility and the justice that the families of the victims seek.
