LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A catastrophic explosion at a Givaudan factory that resulted in the deaths of two workers and severe injuries to three others in November was the result of a preventable mechanical failure, according to federal investigators.
The preliminary findings by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board revealed that prior to the explosion, employees were frantically attempting to adjust a dangerously overheated and over-pressurized food coloring tank. Despite their efforts, cooking vessel No. 6’s internal temperature and pressure far exceeded safety standards, reaching 385 degrees Fahrenheit and triple the intended pressure levels.
Local resident and president of the Clifton Community Council, Mike O’Leary, expressed deep sorrow for the impact on the victims’ families, emphasizing the essential role of company management in preventing such failures. “The employees did everything right according to protocol…it squarely falls on management to address these equipment issues,” O’Leary noted in an emotional tone.
Just moments before the blast, control room data indicated malfunctioning relief valves within the tank system. According to Jim Watters, a chemical engineering professor at the University of Louisville who has reviewed the Chemical Safety Board’s report, the primary issue appeared to be with the venting mechanism. “If the vent had opened properly, it might have prevented pressure from building up to such a critical point,” Watters explained.
Further investigation showed that even though the tank’s rupture disc activated, it failed to fully function under the extreme conditions. The aftermath saw debris from the tank ejected several hundred feet, endangering nearby homes and affecting the lives of local residents like Hannah and Dan Nitzken.
“The explosive force was so great; parts of the tank landed close to our home while we were inside,” Hannah Nitzken shared. The couple reported significant damage, including shattered windows and cracked walls, and voiced frustrations concerning their ongoing dealings with insurance claims.
In the community, there remains a strong sentiment against the company, highlighted by the city’s announcement that Givaudan will not be allowed to rebuild within Louisville or elsewhere in Kentucky. Questions about the future use of the now-vacant property are mounting among residents, adding to the unsettled atmosphere as demolition continues.
As the thorough investigation moves forward, the Chemical Safety Board expects to release a comprehensive final report detailing causes and potential preventative measures to avert similar incidents. In the meantime, the Nitzkens and other community members await clearer answers and resolutions, hoping for stringent safety improvements industry-wide to prevent such tragedies.