WASHINGTON — The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said it has sent a team to Louisville to investigate the fatal Nov. 12 Givaudan plant explosion, which killed two people, injured 11 and damaged several nearby homes. 

The six-person team has been on-site since Tuesday, the CSB said. In addition to the fatalities, injuries and damage caused by the explosion, the CSB added a section of the pressure vessel was ejected beyond the fence line and damaged a residential unit.

"The CSB began an initial inquiry into this terrible incident last week when it happened and collected information from local officials, the ATF and the company itself," said Steve Owens, CSB chairperson. "We are now deploying an investigative team to the scene to conduct formal interviews, document the incident site and gather important evidence to help ensure that a tragedy like this does not happen again."

CSB board members are appointed by the president, subject to Senate confirmation. It does not issue citations or fines but gives safety recommendations to companies, labor groups and other organizations. More information can be found on its website.

The same group investigated the company's April 11, 2003, explosion, when it was operating under the name D.D. Williamson. According to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation, two employees were preparing a tub and began pumping product from a tank while adding a cornstarch powder called maltin. The tub was being heated by steam and it began to overflow before it exploded, killing one employee. 

During a Nov. 18 news conference, the Louisville Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said a cooking vessel may have caused the recent explosion. The ATF said a tank heats up product, but there wasn't proper ventilation. The ATF added it was an accident, but the investigation continues. 

The family of one man killed in the blast, Keven Dawson Jr., has hired attorneys Ben Crump and Mark Lanier. Crump represented the families of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

“The legal team is committed to seeking justice and accountability for Keven, his family, and the entire community," a news release said. 

At 3 p.m. Nov. 12, Louisville Emergency Services and the Louisville Fire Department responded to an unknown explosion at the plant, formerly known as D.D. Williamson & Co. Givaudan acquired the company in 2021, and its legal name is DDW. Givaudan is its parent company, based in Switzerland.

Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, said Givaudan will be on the hook for damages and losses suffered by Givaudan employees and residents. Givaudan representatives are now holding mobile office hours at United Crescent Ministries, allowing those affected to seek answers in person.