Last week, a tragic incident occurred at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant in Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in an explosion that claimed the lives of two workers. The explosion was determined to be caused by a failed cooking vessel, as confirmed by officials on Monday.
Shawn Morrow, the special agent in charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), stated that the explosion was an industrial accident and there was no indication of intentional wrongdoing. He reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat, as the scene had been contained and the plant was no longer operational.
The plant, owned by Swiss manufacturer Givaudan, produces colorings for food and drinks. This was not the first explosion at the facility, as a similar incident occurred 21 years ago under different ownership.
Both workers who lost their lives were employees at the plant, while a dozen others sustained injuries. Following the explosion, nearby residents were briefly ordered to shelter in place or evacuate, with the mayor urging caution.
An extensive investigation involving 50 ATF personnel was launched, with over 135 interviews conducted and the impact on nearly 200 buildings assessed. The explosion was traced back to a cooking vessel on the south side of the plant, as revealed by internal surveillance footage and data from a hard drive.
The investigation is ongoing, with a final report on the origin and cause of the explosion yet to be issued. The property was returned to the company on Sunday.
The victims' families are grappling with the loss, including the loved ones of Kevens Dawson Jr., one of the deceased workers. Dawson, a dedicated father and Army veteran, was described as honorable and hardworking by his family.
His family, represented by prominent attorneys, expressed their determination to seek justice and understand the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. The community mourns the loss of Dawson and the other worker, as investigations continue to shed light on the events surrounding the factory explosion.