ICYMI: New Details in Deadly Kentucky Factory Explosion After Years of Complaints

Years of complaints about chemical odors ended in tragedy when a Kentucky factory explosion killed 2 and injured 11, leaving a community shattered.


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LOUISVILLE, KY

– For years, residents near a Louisville, Kentucky, factory had shared concerns about strange smells in the air—some likened it to ammonia, while others described burnt sugar or caramel. Many had voiced their worries to local officials but were met with little resolution. This week, their unease turned into heartbreak when an explosion at the plant killed two workers, injured 11 others, and caused significant damage to nearby homes.

Years of Complaints About Odors and Safety

The explosion occurred at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant, which produces colorings for food and drinks. Neighbors had long been uneasy about living so close to the facility, with visible steam and persistent odors adding to their concerns.

“I’ve always thought about it, like this is unsafe—seems like—because there was always huge steam coming from the place at night. But I never really thought that this would happen,” said Shelby Dix, who lives in a multifamily home just an alley away from the plant.

Amanda Strecker, a former resident, said she frequently noticed an ammonia-like smell and had reported it to the local environmental office. “We felt when we lived there that something was going to happen. It was just a matter of time,” she explained.

“We’ve had a lot of problems with chemical smells in the air, reporting it locally to the environmental office, and them coming out and not finding anything.”

The plant, previously owned by D.D. Williamson & Co., was acquired by Givaudan in 2021. Residents like Carly Johnson, who lives a block away, recalled a past explosion at the site two decades ago and expressed frustration.

“Windows and everything can be replaced. I’m just mad about my son going through that. That’s what makes me the most mad,” she said, recounting the terrifying moment when her house shook, and items fell off the walls during the blast.

A Troubled Safety Record

This week’s explosion isn’t the first safety incident tied to the plant. In 2003, while under D.D. Williamson’s ownership, a tank explosion killed a worker due to a missing pressure relief valve. The company was later fined $600,000 in 2009 for violations of the Clean Water Act.

Under Givaudan’s ownership, the factory faced new violations. Last year, the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District fined the company $7,500 for failing to notify officials about excessive emissions and for not adhering to reporting and monitoring requirements. Despite these issues, the factory continued operating with chemicals like aqueous ammonia, which is used in its production processes.

Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill confirmed the plant housed hazardous chemicals, a typical scenario for such facilities. However, monitoring in the aftermath of the explosion detected no air or water contamination.

Ongoing Investigations Seek Answers

Officials are working to determine the cause of the explosion. The Louisville Fire Department is leading the investigation, supported by state and federal agencies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also dispatched a reconstruction team to assist.

According to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, employees reported no unusual activity before the explosion. “This is an incredibly sad and tragic incident,” Greenberg said. “I want the families of the two victims to know that the hearts of all Louisvillians are with them.”

Givaudan has expressed condolences for the victims and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities. In a statement, the Swiss-based company said, “We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time.”

As the investigation continues, neighbors and workers alike are left grappling with the loss and seeking accountability for what went wrong. The tragedy has reignited questions about safety standards and the lasting impact of industrial operations on nearby communities.

Editor’s note: Photos used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual subject.

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