An explosion at a US food colouring factory in Louisville, Kentucky left two people dead and several people injured on 12 November. The incident happened at a facility operated by Givaudan Sense Colour, a producer of colourings for food and drink.
In a statement, Givaudan said it is profoundly saddened to confirm that two of its employees lost their lives in a tragic accident at its Sense Colour factory in Louisville, Kentucky. It added that 11 other team members suffered injuries and were taken to hospital after the explosion.
According to the company, in addition to the fatalities, serious injuries, and damage to the facility itself, a section of a pressure vessel was ejected beyond the fence line as a result of the blast and damaged a residential unit. Shortly after the incident, Givaudan said it was aware of reports indicating damage to some homes and buildings near the factory, and was working closely with first responders to provide support to those impacted.
A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway, and the company is cooperating fully with first responders and supporting agencies to understand what happened, Givaudan added in its statement.
