A factory explosion in Louisville kills two and injures 11; Cause is being investigated

People are trapped or missing after the Louisville explosion

A neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky, is under a shelter-in-place order after a large explosion was heard throughout the city. Louisville first responders are calling the scene a “hazardous materials incident.” A shelter-in-place order was issued for a mile radius around the area, officials said. The address of the explosion is Givaudan Sense Colour, a natural food coloring.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A factory explosion in Louisville, Kentucky, killed two people and injured several others after part of the building collapsed and blew out windows in nearby homes and businesses.

The explosion occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Givaudan Sense Colour, which produces dyes for food and drinks.

“We mourn with the families, friends and loved ones of those lost and injured during this very difficult time,” the company said in a statement.

Firefighters rescued and evacuated many people from the building, including some with life-threatening injuries, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a statement Tuesday evening. Greenberg said officials took into account everyone working at the plant at the time.

In addition to the two deaths, 11 others were injured, Allison Martin, spokesperson for the mayor, said Wednesday morning.

The cause was investigated. Greenberg said workers at the plant initially told officials that “everything was normal when the explosion happened.”

Drone footage of the explosion at Givaudan Sense Color in Louisville. (Credit: WDRD)

The company said it was in the early stages of investigating the cause and is working with authorities.

“We appreciate their heroic response and thank those in the community who showed their support throughout the day,” the company said.

Patrick Livers lives in a neighborhood directly across from the factory’s railroad tracks. He was at work when his mother, who had picked up his children from school and taken them home, called to say his house had been damaged in the explosion.

“I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ Then she showed me the video. I was like, ‘Oh, you’re kidding me,’” he said.

Livers said no one was home at the time. He said the explosion blew out windows all over his street.

“The house is still there. It’s just structural damage. If it was on the wall, it’s on the floor,” he said. ‘All the neighbors’ windows were blown out and doors were blown in. It looked like a small tornado had hit the house.”

Steve Parobek was at work when the blast blew out the kitchen window in his apartment, a block from the factory. He arrived home to find his cat safe and used two pizza boxes and some duct tape to cover his window as temperatures steadily dropped Tuesday evening.

The Louisville Fire Department led the investigation as of Tuesday evening with assistance from state and federal partners. A reconstruction team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was en route to Louisville to help determine the cause of the explosion.