A cooking vessel failed in the fatal explosion that occurred on November 12, 2024, at the Givaudan Sense Colour facility in Louisville, KY. Two employees were killed and eleven others were injured by the explosion that leveled parts of the facility.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) sent a team of investigators to investigate.

CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said in a statement, “The CSB began an initial inquiry into this terrible incident last week when it happened and collected information from local officials, the ATF, and the company itself.  We are now deploying an investigative team to the scene to conduct formal interviews, document the incident site, and gather important evidence to help ensure that a terrible tragedy like this does not happen again.”

Investigators gave a media briefing on Monday Nov. 18 to discuss the cause of the explosion.

“It was an industrial accident, and there’s no indication anyone did anything intentional to cause the explosion,” said Shawn Morrow, the Louisville special agent in charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to CNN. “There's some indication that the vessel did not vent properly, and that caused an overheating and explosion — over pressurization, if you will.”

Morrow said in his statement that the data analysis "definitively" allows authorities to conclude that the part known as "cooking vessel No. 6" failed and caused the explosion. He said there were signs of possible maintenance issues.

According to the company, in addition to the fatalities, serious injuries, and damage to the facility itself, a section of the pressure vessel was ejected beyond the fence line and damaged a residential unit.

The two Givaudan employees who died have been identified as Austin Jaggers, 29, and Keven Dawson Jr., 49, according to CNN.

The CSB’s board members are appointed by the President subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.