Clifton neighbors upset with how Givaudan has handled aftermath of deadly explosion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Givaudan has hired a disaster response team to assist residents of Louisville's Clifton neighborhood impacted by the devastating plant explosion that occurred four months ago.

However, some residents are expressing frustration with the company's handling of the aftermath.

Randy Crumley, a longtime resident of the area, was among those who lost everything when the explosion rocked his apartment Nov. 12. Crumley’s home was just steps away from the Givaudan plant, making it one of the worst-hit locations.

“All the debris and everything just shot directly into that apartment,” Crumley recounted. “It blew the metal door off the frame and into the wall. It took my refrigerator, which was against that back wall, and blew it down into the hallway, blocking the door.”

Crumley’s car was totaled, and he considers himself fortunate to have survived. He described the terrifying moments when the walls around him began to crumble and debris flew through his home.

“You hear two different explosions, at least. You go running for your life,” he said.

IMAGES | Crews begin cleanup at Givaudan site in Louisville's Clifton neighborhood

Despite the gravity of the situation, Crumley said Givaudan’s response has been disappointing. The company held several community meetings, but he claims communication between those meetings was almost nonexistent.

“You can't help me out at all with all that stuff? Just look at it—it’s so blown up,” he said. “It was terrifying to even be in there in the first place.”

Crumley alleges that Givaudan waited a month before sending an adjuster to assess his losses. By then, he had already moved out due to the extent of the damage.

“Maybe you come over right after it happens and you go, ‘Hey, were you blown up by the explosion? Are you okay? Did something bad happen? Let’s send you over to a doctor,'" he said.

Last week, Givaudan announced it had hired a disaster response team to assist affected residents. The company is reaching out to homeowners to assess property damage and make necessary repairs.

Crumley has accepted an offer from Givaudan for his car, but is still awaiting an estimate for his personal belongings, which he values between $40,000 and $50,000. Due to a settlement agreement, he is unable to disclose the details of the company’s offer.

“They’re trying to make it as hard as possible on me so that I will accept a worse offer, and that’s just not gonna happen,” he said.

The disaster response team is expected to attend a community meeting Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the United Crescent Hill Ministries on State Street. The meeting marks exactly four months since the explosion, which claimed the lives of two people and injured a dozen others.

Residents continue to seek answers and what they consider to be fair compensation as they rebuild their lives in the wake of the tragedy.

Givaudan Plant Explosion Coverage: