‘This is negligence’: Homeowners want accountability in Tuesday’s explosion in Clifton

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - As daylight broke Wednesday morning, the extent of the damage to the immediate area of the Givaudan Factory blast became clear.

Roofs ripped off houses and glass shattered on cars and storefronts.

"I've actually been involved in other explosion cases," Tad Thomas, a lawyer representing homeowners in Clifton, said. "I've not seen one that was in a neighborhood like this that would cause this much damage."

The damage could be seen outside homes, as well as inside.

Engineers will be evaluating them to figure out the extent of what this blast did.

"One of the things we're really concerned about is what is kind of microscopic or something that you really can't see unless you really pay close attention," Thomas said.

Councilman Andrew Owen addressed the damage during a press conference, as well as the fact that the factory was able to exist in such a packed residential area.

"There are companies and zoning that is grandfathered," Councilman Owen said. "Something like this would not be legal today according to our zoning code."

He said the factory is only so close to homes since it was grandfathered in under different zoning laws.

"I do think sometime in the very near future this gives us an opportunity to have that conversation," he said. "This is a global company that we want to stay in Louisville. "

This third incident at the site has homeowners making sure their concerns are heard.

"They're scared and angry," Councilman Owen said. "So they were saying, I'll be honest with you, the neighbors want the company gone. They don't want the company to exist."

Thomas says the focus now is getting evidence preserved, so they can determine who is liable for any of the damage.

"There is no such thing as just an accident when you have an explosion like this," Thomas said. "This is negligence. There's no other way to get around it."