Louisville, Kentucky, January 19, 2026
The demolition of the former Givaudan Sense Colour plant in Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood is scheduled to start shortly after investigations into a tragic explosion that caused two fatalities in 2024. The process, managed by a licensed company, is expected to take about 40 days, weather permitting. Givaudan has decided not to rebuild on the site and is exploring relocation options within Kentucky or neighboring states, while city officials support zoning changes to ensure future safety and community alignment.
Louisville, Kentucky
Demolition of the former Givaudan Sense Colour plant in Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood is set to commence on Monday, January 19, 2026. This follows a tragic explosion at the facility on November 12, 2024, which resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The demolition is expected to take approximately 40 days, weather permitting.
Details of the Demolition
The demolition will be conducted by a company that has obtained the necessary permits. Work will be carried out from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The project is anticipated to last about 40 days, depending on weather conditions. The decision to demolish the plant was made after investigations into the explosion concluded, and the company announced it would not rebuild at the Clifton site. Givaudan is considering alternative locations in Kentucky or neighboring states for a new facility.
Background of the Explosion
The explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant occurred on November 12, 2024, around 3 p.m. The incident resulted in the deaths of two employees and injuries to several others. Federal investigators determined that the explosion was caused by a failure in a cooking vessel, which led to over-pressurization and rupture. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update on March 20, 2025, focusing on the vent valve as a critical factor in the explosion. The CSB’s investigation included testing raw materials, analyzing the batch reactor relief system, and evaluating emergency response efforts. The CSB emphasized the importance of these findings in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Community Impact and Legal Actions
The explosion caused significant damage to nearby homes and businesses, leading to ongoing repairs in the Clifton neighborhood. Residents have reported lingering issues, including structural damage and emotional distress. In response to the incident, two residents filed a lawsuit against Givaudan, alleging negligence and seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit claims that employees were aware of issues with the cooking vessel, which did not vent properly and overheated before the explosion. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the community continues to recover from the aftermath of the tragedy.
Future of the Site
Following the explosion, Givaudan announced that it would not rebuild the plant in the Clifton neighborhood. The company is exploring alternative locations in Kentucky or neighboring states for a new facility. Louisville city officials have expressed support for rezoning the property to prevent future industrial use, aiming to repurpose the site for other purposes that better align with the community’s needs and safety considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the demolition of the former Givaudan Sense Colour plant begin?
The demolition is set to commence on Monday, January 19, 2026, and is expected to take approximately 40 days, weather permitting.
What caused the explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant?
Federal investigators determined that the explosion was caused by a failure in a cooking vessel, leading to over-pressurization and rupture. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update on March 20, 2025, focusing on the vent valve as a critical factor in the explosion. The CSB’s investigation included testing raw materials, analyzing the batch reactor relief system, and evaluating emergency response efforts. The CSB emphasized the importance of these findings in preventing similar incidents in the future.
What is the future of the Givaudan Sense Colour plant site?
Following the explosion, Givaudan announced that it would not rebuild the plant in the Clifton neighborhood. The company is exploring alternative locations in Kentucky or neighboring states for a new facility. Louisville city officials have expressed support for rezoning the property to prevent future industrial use, aiming to repurpose the site for other purposes that better align with the community’s needs and safety considerations.
What impact did the explosion have on the Clifton neighborhood?
The explosion caused significant damage to nearby homes and businesses, leading to ongoing repairs in the Clifton neighborhood. Residents have reported lingering issues, including structural damage and emotional distress. In response to the incident, two residents filed a lawsuit against Givaudan, alleging negligence and seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit claims that employees were aware of issues with the cooking vessel, which did not vent properly and overheated before the explosion. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the community continues to recover from the aftermath of the tragedy.
What is the status of the lawsuit filed by Clifton residents against Givaudan?
In response to the incident, two residents filed a lawsuit against Givaudan, alleging negligence and seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit claims that employees were aware of issues with the cooking vessel, which did not vent properly and overheated before the explosion. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the community continues to recover from the aftermath of the tragedy.
Key Features of the Givaudan Sense Colour Plant Explosion and Demolition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Explosion Date | November 12, 2024 |
| Fatalities | 2 employees |
| Injuries | Several others |
| Cause of Explosion | Failure in a cooking vessel leading to over-pressurization and rupture |
| Demolition Start Date | January 19, 2026 |
| Demolition Duration | Approximately 40 days, weather permitting |
| Future of the Site | Givaudan will not rebuild; exploring alternative locations in Kentucky or neighboring states |
| Community Impact | Significant damage to nearby homes and businesses; ongoing repairs and legal actions |
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Demolition of Givaudan Plant Set to Begin in Clifton Neighborhood
