Louisville Factory Explosion Leaves 2 Dead, 12 Injured

A deadly explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant in Louisville, Kentucky, has left two workers dead and 12 others injured, shaking the community and reviving memories of a similar blast two decades ago.

The explosion erupted Tuesday afternoon, tearing through the food dye facility owned by Swiss company Givaudan. The blast was felt miles away, shattering windows and forcing residents within a one-mile radius to shelter in place. Officials later confirmed no hazardous materials were released, though the plant remains unstable.

Mayor Craig Greenberg revealed that one victim was found hours after the company initially reported all workers safe. Givaudan admitted to a “miscommunication” during the chaotic evacuation process.

The tragedy echoes a 2003 explosion at the same site—then under different ownership—which killed one worker and released 26,000 pounds of ammonia.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has called for answers, while residents remain shaken. “The pressure from the blast hit you in the chest,” said local resident Hannah Nitzken.

Givaudan has promised a community meeting and is cooperating with investigators as questions mount.