2 Dead, 11 Injured in Explosion at Food Coloring Plant2 Dead, 11 Injured in Explosion at Food Coloring Plant

An explosion Tuesday at a Louisville, KY, plant caused a partial collapse of the building and blew out windows in nearby homes and businesses.

One person who was trapped following the explosion was rescued, while several others were evacuated, officials said. At the time of the reports, two workers had died and 12 were injured from a blast at the Givaudan Sense Colour manufacturing plant around 3 p.m., reported local news ABC 7 and AP News.

A "hazardous materials incident" was reported Tuesday afternoon at the address of a Givaudan Sense Colour facility, according to Louisville Metro Emergency Services.

Firefighters rescued and evacuated many people from the building, including some with life-threatening injuries, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a statement Tuesday night.

Those with various injuries were hospitalized. Greenberg said officials have accounted for everyone who was working at the plant at the time.

"This is not only a fire run, this is a structural collapse run, and this is a hazardous materials run," said Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill. "We don't precisely know yet exactly what types of leaks may happen or might be ongoing."

Homes in the vicinity were evacuated after the explosion. It is not yet known what chemicals may have been involved in the explosion or released into the air, which led a 1-mile shelter in place that was lifted just before 5 p.m.

Related:2 Injured from Explosion at Cannabis Extraction Plant

Greenberg said officials spoke to employees inside the plant and they “initially conveyed that everything was normal activity when the explosion occurred.”

O'Neill credited the quick action of plant personnel for getting people to safety. “They worked with us greatly to get those people out,” he said. “They were very helpful to make sure that we could try to identify the different solvents and chemicals they use at this business.”

The University of Louisville Hospital said it received seven patients from the explosion, including two in critical condition. Injuries have included burn and blast wounds, a hospital official said.

The cause is under investigation.

Givaudan Sense Colour is a coloring expert that offers a complete range of natural colors, caramel colors, burnt sugars, and fruit and vegetable-based browns for food and drinks, according to the company's website.