LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Source: AP) — Two employees were killed and ten others injured in an explosion Tuesday afternoon at the Givaudan Sense Colour factory in Louisville, which produces food and drink colorings. The blast caused a partial collapse of the building and shattered windows in nearby homes and businesses.
Firefighters arrived minutes after the explosion, launching a search for victims in the unstable structure. While most of the injured were quickly located, a final victim was found after an hours-long search. The identities of the deceased have not been released.
Givaudan expressed grief, stating, “We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those lost and injured.” Louisville officials also extended their condolences, with Mayor Craig Greenberg describing the incident as “incredibly tragic.”
The explosion caused widespread damage in the surrounding neighborhood, with windows blown out and structural damage reported in nearby homes. No one was home when the damage occurred at Patrick Livers’ house, but windows were shattered along the street.
Most of the injured were taken to the University of Louisville Hospital, where one later died. The other patients, suffering from blast, thermal, and fall-related injuries, are in stable condition or have been released.
An investigation is underway, led by the Louisville Fire Department with support from state and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and Givaudan is cooperating with authorities.
This is the second fatal explosion at the same location; a similar blast occurred in 2003 at a facility previously owned by D.D. Williamson.
