Chemical Company President Addresses Community as Investigation Continues
Givaudan Sense Colour President Ann Leonard addressed the Louisville community on Friday, November 15, 2024, following Tuesday’s explosion that killed two workers and injured 11 others at the company’s east Louisville facility. The blast, which occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on Tuesday at 1901 Payne St., shattered windows and damaged properties throughout the Clifton neighborhood. Firefighters conducted a harrowing three-and-a-half-hour search to recover one victim from the rubble after a headcount revealed a missing person. The company has committed to covering all property damage while multiple agencies, including the ATF, investigate the cause.
5 Key Points
- Austin Jaggers, 29, was identified by family members as one of the two victims killed in the explosion.
- The blast impacted dozens of properties, with approximately 60 damage reports filed to MetroSafe by Thursday afternoon.
- Givaudan will continue paying wages and benefits to all affected employees during the facility’s closure.
- Residents have been instructed not to remove debris from their properties while investigations are ongoing.
- A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18, at United Crescent Hill Ministries to address residents’ concerns.
Search and Recovery Operation Extends Past Midnight
Louisville firefighters reentered the damaged Givaudan facility late Tuesday night after company officials discovered a missing person during their headcount. The recovery operation lasted three and a half hours, with emergency responders working until after midnight to locate the second victim. Mayor Craig Greenberg noted that employees had reported “everything was normal activity when the explosion occurred” before the incident.
Company Leadership Addresses Casualties
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that two of our team members lost their lives in this accident,” Stefanie Lauber, head of corporate communications for Givaudan International, said in a Wednesday morning statement. During Friday’s news conference, company president Ann Leonard emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “This accident is particularly devastating to us because safety is such a strong priority and a strong focus in everything we do.” The company pledged to maintain wages and benefits for all affected employees during the facility’s closure.
Explosion Damages Clifton Properties
The blast’s force extended beyond the Payne Street facility, shattering windows and scattering debris across Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood. City officials established a dedicated reporting line through MetroSafe, which had received approximately 60 damage reports by Thursday afternoon. While Givaudan has committed to covering all explosion-related property damage, residents must leave debris undisturbed during the ongoing investigation.
Investigation and Community Response
Multiple government agencies, including the ATF, continue their on-site investigation, preventing Givaudan from beginning its internal review of the incident. Company officials will join city representatives at a community meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM on Monday, November 18, at United Crescent Hill Ministries on State Street. Residents can report damage by calling MetroSafe at 502-574-2117.
FAQ
Q: What caused the explosion at the Givaudan plant?
A: Multiple government agencies, including the ATF, are investigating the cause. Givaudan can begin its internal investigation once it completes its work.
Q: How can Clifton residents report property damage?
A: Residents should call MetroSafe at 502-574-2117 to report any damage or debris related to the explosion. As of Thursday afternoon, approximately 60 damage reports had been filed.
Q: What should residents do with debris found on their property?
A: Residents have been instructed not to remove any debris while investigations are ongoing. All damage should be reported to MetroSafe for documentation.
Q: Will Givaudan compensate affected residents and employees?
A: Givaudan has committed to paying for all explosion-related property damage. The company will also continue paying wages and benefits to all impacted employees during the facility’s closure.
Q: When and where can residents voice their concerns to company officials?
A: A Clifton Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18, at 6:00 PM at United Crescent Hill Ministries on State Street. Both city and Givaudan officials will attend to address community concerns.
Q: What support are victims’ families receiving?
A: While specific details about family support haven’t been released at the families’ request, Mayor Greenberg and Givaudan officials are working with the affected families. Family members have identified one victim as Austin Jaggers, 29.
Citations
WDRB Staff (November 15, 2024). Givaudan president laments ‘devastating’ fatal explosion at its Louisville plant. WDRB Media. https://www.wdrb.com/news/givaudan-president-laments-devastating-fatal-explosion-at-its-louisville-plant/article_ef056a7e-a36f-11ef-83da-5f2cd574228d.html
