At least 12 employees were injured and two people died after an explosion at a Louisville business on Tuesday afternoon.
The explosion happened at approximately 3:00 local time at Givaudan Sense Colour, a company that produces natural color for foods and drinks, on Payne Street in the Clifton neighborhood.
There were a wide range of injuries, including severe burns as well as blast and blunt force trauma.
Patients were transported to University of Louisville Hospital and Baptist East Hospital.
“The cause at this point of the explosion is unknown,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
Greenburg said officials spoke to employees inside the plant. “They have initially conveyed that everything was normal activity when the explosion occurred,” he said.
Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said air monitoring began immediately after the explosion and “nothing at this point has ever shown any type of chemical problems in the air in this entire region.” O’Neill also said that fire officials “don’t precisely know yet exactly what types of leaks may happen or may be ongoing,” but he urged residents to stay calm.
Louisville Metro Emergency Services had urged people within a mile of the business to shelter in place, but that order was lifted about two hours after the explosion.
(Photo: Aerial view of damage to the building containing Givaudan Sense Colour, courtesy of WAVE.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director and the Associated Press
