Updated: Two people killed in Louisville plant explosion that damaged homes, businesses
Two people have died from a plant explosion in Louisville, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.
Beshear provided the update about the fatalities Wednesday morning. Twelve people were initially transported to a hospital with various injuries, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s office.
“I hope everyone will join Britainy and me in praying for their families and the entire community,” Beshear said on X.
Officials are expected to provide an update on the explosion at 10 a.m. Wednesday. A live stream of the press conference can be found on LouisvilleMetroTV’s YouTube page.
The explosion happened Tuesday afternoon at the Givaudan Sense Colour facility at 1901 Payne Street. Greenberg’s office said the Louisville Fire Department rescued and evacuated many people from inside the building.
“I am incredibly proud of our first responders who rushed to the scene of this explosion and immediately went inside to help those who were injured,” Greenberg said in a statement. “I am confident their heroic efforts saved lives.”
Twelve people were transported from the scene with injuries ranging from minor to critical and life-threatening, Greenberg’s office said.
“My thoughts are with those who suffered injuries as a result of this tragedy, and we will continue to do everything possible to help these families,” Greenberg said in a statement.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for a one-mile radius around the facility, but the order had been lifted by about 5 p.m., according to a Facebook post by Louisville Metro Emergency Services.
The agency said an evacuation order for the two surrounding blocks in the city neighborhood of Clifton was still in place.
Multiple homes and businesses were damaged, including a coffee company that had its windows blown out, according to Louisville Business First.
The Louisville Fire Department is investigating the explosion. The cause of the blast was not immediately known, but a reconstruction team from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms will help determine the cause.
Givaudan Sense Colour produces coloring for food and drinks from natural sources, according to the company’s website.
This story was originally published November 12, 2024 at 6:44 PM.
