2 killed, dozen injured in Louisville factory explosion

Two people were killed and at least a dozen were injured in an explosion Tuesday involving hazardous materials at a Louisville factory.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant in the city’s Clifton neighborhood. The blast caused a partial collapse of the factory and damaged nearby buildings — shaking homes and breaking windows.

A total of 12 people were taken to area hospitals. A spokesperson for University of Louisville Hospital said the victims at their medical facility suffered injuries caused by burns and blasts, as well as injuries from the force of the explosion and falling debris.

It’s unknown if the deceased were hospitalized or pronounced dead at the scene.

People reported feeling the impact or hearing the boom from several miles away, but no injuries were reported outside of the factory.

“Earlier today, there was an explosion at the Sense Colour factory,” the company said in a statement late Tuesday night. “We are deeply saddened to share the news that two of our team members were killed today in this accident. Several other individuals were also injured as a result.”

City officials said the cause of the explosion would likely be under investigation for some time and were trying to determine what chemicals were involved.

Givaudan produces coloring and artificial flavors for food and drinks, as well as fragrances for items like cleaning products and soap.

Antique store owner Scott Nussbaum told WAVE3 that ammonia nitrate was the cause of two previous explosions at the site.