Louisville explosion: What we know about the deadly factory explosion in Kentucky

CNN
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A massive explosion at a food dye factory in Louisville, Kentucky, killed two people and injured a dozen others on Tuesday, as smoke billowed from ruptured metal structures and debris.

Both victims were workers at the Givaudan Sense Color factory, which produces food and drink colorants and is owned by Swiss manufacturer Givaudan.

For some Louisville residents, the incident brought back memories of another deadly explosion that occurred at the same location 21 years ago.

Here’s what you need to know.

The blast occurred around 3 p.m. and was felt miles away in Jeffersonville, Indiana. according to CNN affiliate WLKY. It was extremely loud and blew out the windows of several nearby businesses, WKLY reported.

Twelve people were injured and taken to hospital, according to the mayor’s office. Three remained hospitalized Wednesday with non-life-threatening injuries, a University of Louisville Hospital spokesperson said.

It is not yet clear what caused the explosion. Louisville authorities described it as a “major incident” involving hazardous materials, with federal agents assisting fire investigators.

“We have no reason to believe at this time that any nefarious activity has occurred,” said Shawn Morrow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

In a statement, Givaudan said they were “in the early stages of investigating the cause of this incident and are working with first responders and support agencies.”

CNN contacted Givaudan for further comment on Wednesday.

In a statement, Givaudan said two “team members” had been killed in the explosion.

The victims have not been publicly identified.

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

One of the victims was found under the rubble hours after the company initially said no employees were missing, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.

“We were told by our company that all employees were accounted for,” Greenberg said at a news conference. “Tragically, that was not the case.”

In the immediate aftermath, people within a mile radius of the site were ordered to shelter in place — with the exception of homes in the two blocks surrounding the factory, which were ordered to evacuate after their windows were blown out.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted Tuesday afternoon, but the mayor still urged residents to exercise caution.

“We are now dealing with an unstable building that has partially collapsed and could collapse further,” said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill.

He added that after using a drone to monitor air quality in the area, “we have not found any evidence of the release of anything dangerous.”

The facility experienced a fatal explosion more than 20 years ago when it was under different ownership.

Previously, the dye factory was owned by DD Williamson & Company, which was acquired by Givaudan in 2021 and the name was changed to Givaudan Sense Colour.

On April 11, 2003, a “process vessel became overpressurized” at the DD Williamson plant, releasing 26,000 pounds of aqueous ammonia into the air and sending debris flying, according to a report from the DD Williamson plant. U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board.

The explosion forced 26 residents to evacuate and 1,500 people had to take shelter on site. It also killed 44-year-old worker Louis Perry, whose granddaughter Lorrie Hibbard told CNN on Tuesday that the latest explosion brought back memories of the accident.

“And you would think that after one explosion it wouldn’t happen again. But here we are,” Hibbard said. “All I heard was that there had been another explosion at the factory, and it takes you back to 2003.”

The company was ultimately fined $10,000 by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet for the 2003 explosion. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

While the cause of Tuesday’s explosion has not yet been determined, the fire chief said they believe it is not the same material as the 2004 explosion. “That involved a solid anhydrous ammonia that is no longer on scene,” O said ‘Neill.