U.S. Chemicals Safety Board Deploys Team to Investigate Fatal Explosion at Givaudan Facility in Louisville, KY

Washington D.C. November 18, 2024 - Today the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced that it is sending a team of investigators to Louisville, Kentucky, to investigate the fatal explosion that occurred last week on November 12, 2024, at the Givaudan Sense Colour facility in Louisville, KY. Two employees were killed and eleven others were injured by the explosion.

CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, "The CSB began an initial inquiry into this terrible incident last week when it happened and collected information from local officials, the ATF, and the company itself. We are now deploying an investigative team to the scene to conduct formal interviews, document the incident site, and gather important evidence to help ensure that a terrible tragedy like this does not happen again."

The CSB's six-person team will arrive onsite tomorrow. According to the company, in addition to the fatalities, serious injuries, and damage to the facility itself, a section of the pressure vessel was ejected beyond the fence line and damaged a residential unit.

The CSB's board members are appointed by the President subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.

Please visit our website, www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at [email protected]