Large Explosion at Louisville Plant Heard for Miles: Six Hospitalized
First Responders Battle Blaze, Two in Critical Condition
At Least 50 Emergency Personnel on Scene
Louisville, Kentucky - A massive explosion rocked a chemical plant in Louisville, Kentucky, on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the community and injuring at least six people.
The blast occurred at around 10:30 a.m. at the Kosmos Cement plant in the Fairdale neighborhood. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom that shook buildings and shattered windows for miles around.
Witnesses reported seeing a huge plume of black smoke billowing from the plant, which could be seen for miles. "It was like a bomb went off," one witness said. "The whole house shook."
First responders rushed to the scene and found a raging fire at the plant. More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze for hours, while paramedics tended to the injured.
Six people were transported to local hospitals, two of whom were in critical condition, according to Louisville Fire and Rescue. The plant manager said that all employees had been accounted for, but did not comment on their conditions.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but officials said it may have been caused by a chemical reaction in one of the plant's silos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is monitoring the air quality in the area and has not detected any hazardous levels of pollutants.
The explosion has raised concerns about the safety of the Kosmos Cement plant, which has a history of environmental violations. In 2019, the plant was fined $1 million for violating the Clean Air Act.
The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating the explosion and has not yet determined whether any criminal charges will be filed.
