LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One week after the deadly Givaudan plant explosion, Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, says they are focusing on the people impacted by it.

What You Need To Know

  • A Nov. 12 factory explosion killed two, injured more and damaged houses

  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg says the company should pay for all losses to public

  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded the explosion came from a cooking vessel at the facility

  • Several nearby neighbors were forced to move out after suffering heavy damage to homes

It’s been more than one week since the deadly color plant explosion in Louisville. Two employees of Givaudan Sense Colour factory were killed last Tuesday when a large cooking vessel exploded. Several others were injured.

There has been an outcry from family members of the victims and residents living nearby. “Our focus is on those who were impacted,” Greenberg told Spectrum News.

Greenberg says communication between representatives of Givaudan, his office and the community has improved but questions remain unanswered. “We’re continuing to encourage the company to communicate even more than they are right now, to be there in the community. I’m very pleased that they are going to start office hours so people can come in person…to get questions answered,” Greenberg continued.

Givaudan representatives are now holding mobile office hours at United Crescent Ministries, allowing impacted people to seek answers in person.

A community meeting with a Givaudan representative was held Monday night, with several attendees leaving the meeting unsatisfied. Greenberg says he, like residents, wants to Givaudan move its factory location away from any residential area. “I’ve been very clear there are better locations in the community for the rebuilding of this factory,” Greenberg said.

Some nearby homes are less than 100 feet from the Payne Street factory. The explosion sent large pieces of metal and debris rocketing into homes and destroying property.

Several nearby homes were so badly affected, power to the building was cut out of precaution and its residents have since moved out.

Greenberg said Givaudan will be on the hook for damages and losses suffered by Givaudan employees and residents. “Whether it’s for their home, whether it’s for medical bills, whether it’s for cars, whether it’s for other needs that they have as a result of being impacted by the explosion. The company should fully compensate all neighbors for their damages,” Greenberg said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and fire officials have concluded the source of the explosion was from a large cooking vessel. Greenberg says regulatory agencies like OSHA are investigating what led to it.

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