2 dead, others injured after explosion plant

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

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two people are dead and at least ten people are injured after an explosion at a factory in Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood.

The incident was reported at the Givaudan Sense Colour manufacturing plant in the 1900 block of Payne Street around 3 p.m. Tuesday. The plant is known for producing caramel color in soft drinks.

Twelve people were reported injured Tuesday night however, two of the victims that were in critical condition died in the hospital overnight. Both of the people that died worked at the plant.

Givaudan released the following statement expressing their sadness over the lives lost:

On Tuesday, late afternoon US time, there was an explosion at the Sense Colour factory in Louisville, Kentucky. We are deeply saddened to share the news that two of our team members lost their lives in this accident. Several other individuals were also injured as a result. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time.

City leaders have stated there is no ongoing threat to those in the immediate proximity or the surrounding community. There have been reports of damage to some homes and buildings near the factory and we are in touch with first responders who are supporting those impacted.

We are in the early stages of investigating the cause of this incident and are cooperating with first responders and supporting agencies. We appreciate their heroic response and send our thanks to those in the community who have shown their support throughout the day.

Our priority right now is on our team members, the families of those we have lost and those that were injured in this accident. We are in touch with them, and committed to supporting them in the coming days and weeks.

Everyone employed at the facility had been accounted for, including two people who had to be rescued from the building by the Louisville Fire Department.

Following the explosion, officials enacted a one-mile shelter in place because it was not yet known what chemicals may have been involved in the explosion or released into the air. The shelter in place was lifted just before 5 p.m.

Residents and nearby businesses had reported broken and shattered windows due to the explosion

This is not the first time an incident has occurred at the plant.

In April 2003, one person was killed at the plant after a catastrophic vessel failure, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

Investigators say it will take some time to determine the cause of the plant explosion.

Payne Street has since reopened to residents.

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