An explosion in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday led to a shelter-in-place order, killing two people and injuring others.
Twelve people were injured, some with life-threatening injuries, in an explosion east of downtown around 3 p.m. local time, authorities said.
Food and cosmetics company Givaudan announced that an explosion occurred at its Sensecolor factory, killing two team members. It is not clear whether the two people who died were among the 12 injured.
The city’s emergency services posted to X that there was a “hazardous materials incident” at a facility that manufactures natural food colorings. Louisville Metro Police said officers closed off roads around the scene.
The Louisville Fire Department said on Broadcast X that it was the scene of a “major incident.” The shelter-in-place order was lifted about an hour after it was issued Tuesday afternoon.
Fire Chief Brian O’Neill told reporters the response was to an explosion, structure collapse and hazardous materials incident. He credited the emergency response of workers for evacuating most people.
Firefighters rescued one person who was trapped and assisted others in escaping the building.
“Once the fire was extinguished, we immediately began conducting air quality monitoring in the nearby area,” O’Neill said. “You may have heard that there was an evacuation. It was a precautionary measure.”
He added that the order was ordered because authorities did not know what they were up against, and that air monitoring continues. Officials said some people were unable to evacuate indoors because their windows were blown out.
Mr O’Neill said there were no indications of any chemical issues in the air that would cause concern. Monitoring will continue as structural issues could lead to new leaks, he said.
Video from NBC affiliate Louisville’s WAVE showed a large police presence and ambulances lined up in what appeared to be a residential area.
Firefighters and trucks were about two blocks from where warning tape blocked off the road.
WAVE anchor John Boel posted footage from the station’s SkyTrac camera that captured the moment of the explosion in Clifton, where the fire occurred.
The shelter-in-place order was subsequently lifted.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg praised first responders for saving lives and offered his condolences to those affected.
“Our hearts go out to those injured in this tragedy, and we will continue to take every step possible to help these families,” Greenberg said in a statement.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. He said a recovery team from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was in Louisville on Tuesday to assist.
Givaudan said it was cooperating fully with investigators and described the actions of first responders as heroic.
“Our priority at this time is for our team members, the families of those who died, and those injured in this accident,” the company said. “We are in contact with them and are committed to supporting them over the coming days and weeks.”
