Family of man killed in Louisville plant explosion asking for accountability

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Rescue crews took more than eight hours to locate the final victim in the rubble of a plant explosion in Louisville last week, an Army veteran who was remembered for his selflessness and dedication.

The delay was due to miscommunication from plant leaders, who initially believed all workers were accounted for within a couple of hours of the blast.

But Malaika Watson, the girlfriend of 49-year-old Keven Dawson, feared he was still in the rubble. She said he wasn’t at any of the hospitals where injured workers were taken.

Her worst fears were confirmed about nine hours later when first responders found Dawson, after Watson had pushed past yellow tape and prayed with police.

“He’s an Army man. He believes in no man left behind. Why would you leave him?” Watson said tearfully.

Dawson, who would have turned 50 this past weekend, leaves behind a grieving family who is now seeking accountability.

"I’ve never seen a man lead by example and work as hard as my father did. I just never thought his commitment to work would lead to his final days," his son said.

The family’s attorneys, including Ben Crump, said they plan to investigate what caused the explosion, pointing to possible maintenance issues with the cooker that exploded.

"This family deserves answers, and Keven’s co-workers deserve a safer workplace," Crump said. "I’ve heard from his colleagues that he wanted to protect others because that’s what he learned from his service in the Army."

The investigation is ongoing. Dawson’s family hopes no other family will experience a similar tragedy.

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