LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Residents impacted by last week’s explosion at the Givaudan plant in Louisville are voicing their frustrations and demanding answers about damages, rebuilding plans and future operations.

Givaudan President Ann Leonard joined city officials as they addressed a packed room Monday night, where emotions ran high as a packed room pushed for clarity about the company’s response and assistance plans.

“For us to survive something like this and be alive to tell it—no, I can’t be quiet about that. We need help. We all need help,” one resident said.

Attendees expressed concerns about inspections, rebuilding efforts, and the company's commitment to repairing damages.

“Who’s doing those inspections?” another resident asked during the meeting.

Leonard addressed questions about whether the plant would reopen in its current location.

“While we don’t know exactly what the future holds for our current site, please know we are looking at and prioritizing other locations to continue our operations going forward,” Leonard said.

The meeting was also opened up for a Q&A, and some questions were answered in a more straightforward way than others.

"I think the meeting gave a lot of answers and created some questions," said Gregory Fields, who lives two blocks away from the plant.

Givaudan has pledged to cover the costs of damage caused by the explosion and has hired a third-party company to assess and repair homes, although some expressed hesitation about going through the company. Residents who have already completed repairs are encouraged to send invoices to the company for reimbursement.

“There are some people who have chosen to do the repairs, and we are happy to get invoices from you and make sure reimbursement is handled,” Leonard explained.

The company also promised financial assistance for those displaced by the explosion.

“We can either set up payments directly or handle reimbursements if costs have already been incurred,” Leonard said. “If something still needs to be arranged, we can help with those as well.”

Despite the assurances, some residents expressed disappointment with Givaudan’s response and help overall for those displaced. 

IMAGES | Explosion at plant in Louisville leaves wake of destruction, workers hospitalized

“I’m very disappointed in the response,” said Patrick Livers, who lives near the plant. “I’m your direct neighbor in the backyard. No one from the company has reached out to check on anyone on my street or myself personally.”

While some questions were answered, others remain unresolved. To continue addressing concerns, Givaudan committed to bringing a company representative back to United Crescent Hill Ministries for one-on-one discussions with residents.

Residents with damage or questions can call Givaudan’s hotline at 800-856-3333 to report issues.

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