Two Killed in Louisville Plant Explosion

Two workers have died after a massive explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant on Payne Street in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, November 12 around 3 p.m. The cause of the blast, which was heard and felt as far away as parts of southern Indiana, is currently still under investigation. According to initial employee reports, the explosion occurred during normal plant operations.

12 people, all employees at the plant, were taken to nearby hospitals, where one passed away due to their injuries. The other victim was found hours later in the rubble, despite the company initially telling officials that everyone was accounted for.

Emergency crews responded quickly to what was ultimately not only a hazardous material incident but also a massive structural collapse and large interior fire. Responders worked aggressively to extinguish the fire and safely remove several victims from the debris, including one who was partially buried. Aerial footage revealed catastrophic damage to the facility, with the central portion of the building completely collapsed, and several homes and businesses in the area also suffered damage due to the explosion.

A shelter-in-place order was issued within a one-mile radius of the site, as well as an evacuation order for homes within two blocks of the facility. According to Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill, residents within a two-block radius were unable to safely shelter in place due to having their windows “blown out” by the blast. While the shelter-in-place order was lifted by Tuesday afternoon, the evacuation order remained in effect, and Mayor Craig Greenberg urged residents to “err on the side of caution.” Businesses and homeowners have also been asked to avoid damaged areas and refrain from touching or removing any debris due to possible contamination.

This is not the first deadly incident to occur at this site. In 2003, when the plant was still operated by D.D. Williamson & Company, a 44-year-old employee died after an over-pressurized process vessel released 26,000 pounds of aqueous ammonia. The explosion resulted in extensive structural damage and prompted the evacuation of more than two dozen people, as well as a shelter-in-place order affecting 1,500 nearby residents. The company was ultimately fined $10,000 for the incident.

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the workers who lost their lives in this tragic incident, and we will continue to follow details of the investigation as they become available.