Louisville Fire and Metro EMS on Tuesday responded to a workplace explosion in the 1900 block of Payne Street.
"There has been a hazardous materials incident at 1901Payne St. A shelter in place order has been issued for those in a one mile radius," Emergency services said.
BREAKING: LARGE EXPLOSION IN BUILDING AT BAXTER & PAYNE STREET IN HIGHLANDS OF LOUISVILLE. People across downtown heard it like our Mason Horodyski who recorded this video from Main Street looking south toward Highlands. @WHAS11pic.twitter.com/oGYsMJms9Q
— Doug Proffitt WHAS11 (@WHAS11Doug) November 12, 2024
The business at this address where the explosion is believed to have taken place is the Givaudan Sense Colour Company, previously known as D.D. Williamson Company. It's popular for producing the caramel colour in soft drinks.
People have been "missing and trapped inside," sources familiar with the incident told WLKY news outlet . The fire personnel said at least 2 people have been taken to hospitals.
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Several reporters and media personnel posted videos from the scene on social media.
One wrote on X saying, "A loud boom was heard throughout Louisville Tuesday afternoon, and sources tell us it was from a large explosion in the neighbourhood."
Another user on X added, "Oh no. Hope the people who got hit aren't seriously injured…"
The Louisville Metro Police Department said they have blocked roadways around the location. People are advised to stay away from the area while Louisville Fire staff is working at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Police Department (LMPD) added that they are assisting the fire department on the incident. WHAS11 also has a crew on-scene.
Due to the blaze, drivers might experience delays on Interstate 64 at the Mellwood Avenue exit and Payne Street overpass, the police wrote in a tweet.