Two fatalities due to massive explosion in commercial facility in Louisville

On Tuesday, November 12, around 3 p.m. local time, an enormous explosion occurred at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant, a commercial facility located in Louisville, Kentucky. The blast resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, while twelve others were severely injured. The injured were rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital for medical assistance.

According to the Louisville Fire Department, the first responders promptly arrived at the site and started rescue operations to save those trapped beneath the debris. However, they faced significant challenges due to the presence of hazardous materials.

The explosion was so powerful that it was felt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and across the Ohio River. Local media reported that the blast shattered windows in at least four nearby retail establishments in Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood, while metal debris scattered across nearby residential properties. Mayor Greenberg advised residents to avoid touching any debris.

In addition, Fire Chief Brian O’Neill announced that a shelter-in-place order was issued for residents within a 1-mile radius of the site. Homes within a two-block radius were evacuated due to broken windows, making it unsafe for occupants to remain indoors. Authorities used drones to monitor air quality in the area and, fortunately, found no evidence of hazardous material release.

The building partially collapsed and remains unstable, raising concerns about further structural failure. The cause of the explosion still remains unknown. However, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting local fire investigators to determine the exact cause of the incident with the collaboration of Givaudan.

As of present, the head of the ATF’s Louisville Field Division, Shawn Morrow, stated that there is no indication of criminal activity. In a statement, the owner of the facility confirmed the incident and expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.