LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has released an update on its investigation into the deadly explosion at the Givaudan plant in Louisville, which occurred on November 12, 2024. The explosion, which claimed the lives of two workers and injured 11 others, has raised serious concerns over plant safety procedures and the integrity of the equipment involved.
According to the report, the chain of events began around 2 p.m. when a cooking vessel at the plant began to over-pressurize. Efforts to manage the pressure were initially successful, with the plant’s pressure relief valve being opened to reduce the pressure. The relief valve functioned properly for a short period, maintaining normal levels for about 16 minutes. However, at 2:40 p.m., the vessel’s automated vent valve was fully opened in an attempt to further alleviate the pressure. Despite this, pressure continued to rise, ultimately reaching critical levels.
At 2:49 p.m., workers added cooling water to the coils of the vessel in a last-ditch effort to lower the temperature and pressure. Unfortunately, both continued to climb, and at 2:54 p.m., the pressure relief valve was opened once again, temporarily reducing the pressure. Despite these measures, the pressure and temperature continued to rise, and at 2:57 p.m., the vessel exploded.
Investigators found that the vessel’s automated vent valve had been almost fully closed before the explosion, raising questions about its operation and the role of the valve actuator, which controls the movement of the valve. The plant’s process data indicated that the maximum temperature of the vessel had reached 385 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the maximum allowable working temperature of 355 degrees. Additionally, the pressure reached 237 psig—three times the maximum pressure of 75 psig—before the explosion.
The investigation is now focused on the vent valve and actuator as potential causes of the failure. These critical components are expected to play a significant role in the ongoing probe into the incident.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the company has faced significant backlash, particularly from local residents and families affected by the tragedy. The family of Keven Dawson Jr., one of the workers killed in the explosion, has filed a lawsuit against Givaudan, enlisting nationally recognized trial lawyers Ben Crump, Mark Lanier, and Lonita Baker. Other lawsuits have been filed by nearby residents, including a couple whose home was damaged by the explosion. These suits claim that Givaudan was negligent in its operations and failed to adequately maintain equipment, despite being aware of the risks posed by the equipment failure.
One lawsuit also accused the company of negligence following reports that properties in the evacuated area were burglarized. Meanwhile, Givaudan has stated that it plans to demolish the damaged building and relocate its operations, a move that has been met with mixed reactions from the community. Many residents are hopeful that the demolition will bring an end to the disruptive noise, though some remain frustrated by the ongoing aftermath.
Jeremy Jones, a local resident, expressed his relief that his property suffered only minor damage. “I’m very fortunate. They only injured the back of my garage. My windows went ahead and went in, didn’t shatter or anything like that,” he said.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, awaiting answers and accountability for the tragic explosion. The case has brought heightened attention to industrial safety standards and the responsibilities of companies to protect both their employees and surrounding neighborhoods.
