Factory Worker Found Dead Buried Under Rubble After Explosion That Killed 2: Officials

Mar. 15, 2025

Scene of Givaudan plant explosion on Nov. 12.Photo:WHAS11/Youtube

Two employees have died following an explosion at a Louisville, Kentucky, factory that caused a partial collapse of the building and blew out windows in nearby homes and businesses, the company said Wednesday.

WHAS11/Youtube

Two workers were killed in a factory explosion in Louisville, Ky., that also left many homes in the surrounding area damaged.

The incident took place around 3:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Givaudan plant, according to a statement from theCity of Louisville.

“The Louisville Fire department responded to immediately search for people, extinguish the fire and secure the location,” the city’s statement read. “Firefighters rescued and evacuated many people from inside the building, some with serious and/or life-threatening injuries.”

The city also confirmed emergency services transported 12 injured people to hospitals in the area.

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On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg later shared on the social media platformX(formerly known as Twitter) that two people died from injuries they sustained in the explosion.

“I am saddened and I am angered,” he wrote. “These are two people who just went to work to do their jobs and provide for their families when the unthinkable happened.”

“The first victim who passed away was transported to University Hospital and died as a result of injuries sustained in the blast,” Greenbergadded.

He continued, “The second victim was found in the rubble as Louisville Firefighters went back into the building last night to confirm all employees were presented [sic] and accounted for."

Givaudan Sense Colour factory in Louisville, Ky.Google Maps

Givaudan Sense Colour 1901 Payne St, Louisville, KY 40206, United States

Google Maps

Greenberg wrote on X thatthe city stands united with the victims’ families,acknowledging the “difficult days, weeks, months, and years ahead” they will face.

“We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time. City leaders have stated there is no ongoing threat to those in the immediate proximity or the surrounding community,” read the statement in part.

“There have been reports of damage to some homes and buildings near the factory and we are in touch with first responders who are supporting those impacted. We are in the early stages of investigating the cause of this incident and are cooperating with first responders and supporting agencies,” Givaudan added.

Patrick Livers, who lives in the vicinity of the explosion, told the AP he received a phone call at work from his mother, who told him that his home was damaged.

“I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ “ Livers told the news service. “Then she showed me the video. I was like, ‘Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.’  “

source: people.com