'I heard it and felt it': Chemical facility explosion leaves 11 hospitalized in Louisville

Firefighters respond to scene on C.P. Crump Boulevard

Company says fire at facility is now out

Eleven people were hospitalized following an explosion and fire at a chemical facility in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, according to fire officials. The explosion occurred at the Performance Pipe facility on C.P. Crump Boulevard just after 9 a.m. and sent a plume of smoke into the air that could be seen for miles.

Louisville Fire Department spokesman Maj. Bobby Cooper said firefighters arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the building. The fire was brought under control by 11 a.m., and no injuries were reported among firefighters.

Performance Pipe identified the injured as contractors working on the site. In a statement, the company said all employees were accounted for and that the fire was contained to the construction area.

"We are deeply concerned about the well-being of those injured and are committed to providing them with our full support," the company said. "We are working closely with local authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and ensure the safety of our employees and the community."

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is also investigating the incident.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and feeling the ground shake.

"I heard it and felt it," said witness John Smith. "It was a big boom, and the whole building shook."

The explosion caused damage to the facility and surrounding businesses. The Louisville Metro Police Department said C.P. Crump Boulevard was closed between River Road and Cane Run Road while crews worked to clean up the scene.

Residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and close their windows due to the smoke.

The explosion is the second major industrial accident in Louisville in recent months. In April, a fire at the Omni Louisville Hotel killed two people and injured four others.