Louisville was faced with disaster on November 12th, 2024 when a large explosion occurred at a food dye factory on Payne Street in Downtown Louisville. The explosion was caused by an unnoticed gas leak late in the afternoon. It was reported that the explosion could be heard from many miles away. This explosion sent shockwaves through the Clifton neighborhood that  is nestled into the area. Many people were inside the building when the explosion occurred and reported that everything seemed normal before the incident. The Louisville Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving  at the scene in under three minutes. 

The explosion caused thousands of dollars in property damage and tragically left two people dead and twelve others injured. The LFD evacuated the two surrounding blocks while they monitored for traces of ammonia in the air which later came back negative. The police are set to investigate the cause further and report on their findings. 

This is surprisingly not the first incident with this factory, it has had city rattling incidents on two other occasions. The first incident was in 1996 when the factory leaked 20,000 gallons of ammonia into the surrounding neighborhoods, which the city still feels the effects of today. The second incident came in 2003, when it exploded, which ended up killing 1 and injuring 26 others. 

WDRB News hosted an interview with Mayor Greenberg and asked him about his feelings surrounding the situation, he responded by saying, “My heart dropped, and I had a pit in my stomach … I had to be there for our first responders: our Fire Department, Police Force and other local civilians who rushed to the scene, who I am convinced saved lives.” He was also asked about if the factory was going to be rebuilt after its second incident in twenty years. He responded by saying he is going to conference with other city officials to try and find a place better fit for this factory, but today is not the day for that conversation. Today, we should all focus on the families affected by the explosion and help rebuild their lives.

Families are still wanting answers though and have had movements since 2003 practically begging the hazardous factory to be relocated since the original explosion back in 2003. Many civilians are frustrated and feel a lack of care from the government and local officials, which Mayor Greenberg is trying to change. Councilman Owen has a lack of faith in the relocation project and stated that, “the company has been around so long, their zoning is grandfathered in.” He also said, “a factory like this wouldn’t be legal under today’s zoning.”

If you have been affected by the factory explosion call the Louisville MetroSafe number at (502)-574-2117 

Bibliography 

Mathews, Alexis. “Deadly Louisville Factory Explosion: Everything We Know.” WLKY, 

13 Nov. 2024, www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-explosion-givaudan-sense-colour-louisville/62887483. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

‌WDRB News - Official. “Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg Discusses Latest 

Information about Plant Explosion.” YouTube, 13 Nov. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Bf-SAK7kg. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

“Redirect Notice.” Google.com, 2024, 

www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2024%2F11%2F13%2Fus%2Fkentucky-louisville-factory-explosion.html&psig=AOvVaw1217FEF9G-V4HR_u0d6B6q&ust=1734801050746000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCLCCoNTrtooDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

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