LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The president from Givaudan held a news conference Friday afternoon, three days after its plant in Louisville exploded, killing two people and injuring 11 others.

Residents across Louisville reported feeling the explosion around 3 p.m. Tuesday, which occurred at Givaudan's plant at 1901 Payne St., just east of Interstate 64. The explosion shattered windows and shook homes in the Clifton neighborhood, just east of downtown.

Ann Leonard, president of Givaudan Sense Colour, said the company is devastated by the accident and its impact on the surrounding community.

One victim died after being transported to UofL Hospital. Family members confirmed Wednesday morning that Austin Jaggers, 29, was one of the victims of the explosion. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Wednesday the city isn't releasing details on the victims' identities at the request of the families, including how or where they died.

Hours after the explosion, firefighters re-entered the building after Givaudan officials said it realized it was short one person in their headcount. O'Neill said firefighters took a "tremendous risk" to get to the second victim, not pulling him from the rubble until after midnight after a three-and-a-half-hour search.

Givaudan hasn't started its own investigation on-site yet because government agencies like the city and the ATF are still investigating.

"We also thank the teams who are helping us investigate the cause," Leonard said. "There will be much more information to share at a later time once that work is complete. This accident is particularly devastating to us because safety is such a strong priority and a strong focus in everything we do."

Greenberg said employees inside the plant initially told officials "everything was normal activity when the explosion occurred."

Stefanie Lauber, head of corporate communications for Givaudan International, confirmed the deaths Wednesday morning in a statement.

It's been three days since the explosion.

"On Tuesday, late afternoon U.S. time, there was an explosion at the Sense Colour factory in Louisville, Kentucky. We are deeply saddened to share the news that two of our team members lost their lives in this accident. Several other individuals were also injured as a result. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time."

The company said it's committed to paying for all the damage. Givaudan will also continue paying wages and benefits to all impacted employees.

Many Clifton residents were out Thursday surveying the damage to their properties. Many have broken windows and debris in their yard, but they've been told not to remove the debris. Greenberg said people should call MetroSafe at 502-574-2117 to report damage. By 4 p.m. Thursday, city officials said MetroSafe had received about 60 calls reporting damage or debris in relation to the explosion.

At 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 a Clifton Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled at United Crescent Hill Ministries on State Street. City and Givaudan officials will attend the meeting to listen to residents and address their concerns.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.