A major explosion occurred at the Givaudan Sense Colour factory in Louisville on Tuesday afternoon. The blast, which was heard around 3 p.m., resulted in significant damage to the facility and sent shockwaves through the surrounding community. The explosion took place at the company located on Payne Street, a known area for industrial activity.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, deploying multiple units to handle the situation. Buildings in the vicinity experienced varying degrees of damage due to the force of the explosion, with some structures suffering broken windows and minor structural impairments. Local authorities have reported that at least 11 individuals were taken to hospitals, although no fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
The Givaudan Sense Colour plant, formerly known as the D.D. Williamson Company, specializes in producing food colorings and has been a part of the Louisville industrial landscape for many years. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched to determine the factors that led to the incident. Officials have stated that the explosion may have been related to hazardous materials handled within the facility, but further details are yet to be uncovered.
Residents of the Clifton neighborhood, where the plant is located, reported hearing the loud boom and feeling the ground shake. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency vehicles quickly arriving and the area being cordoned off to ensure public safety. A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents as a precautionary measure.
In the aftermath of the explosion, search and rescue operations were conducted to locate any individuals who may have been trapped or missing within the plant. Aerial footage from local news outlets showed significant damage to the facility’s infrastructure, with parts of the building appearing severely impacted.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg addressed the media, expressing relief that no lives were lost in the incident. He praised the swift response of emergency personnel and assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to investigate the cause of the explosion and prevent future incidents.
Several employees of the Givaudan Sense Colour plant were among those hospitalized, all of whom are currently receiving medical attention. The exact extent of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but hospital officials have confirmed that their conditions are being closely monitored.
