Factory Worker Found Dead Buried Under Rubble After Explosion That Killed 2: Officials

• An explosion occurred at the Givaudan plant in Louisville, Ky., killing two people on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the city confirmed in a series of X posts from Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
• The mayor said he was "saddened" and angered" by the incident
• “We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time," a Givaudan representative said in a statement to PEOPLE

Two workers were killed in a factory explosion in Louisville, Ky., that also left many homes in the surrounding area damaged. 

The incident took place around 3:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Givaudan plant, according to a statement from the City of Louisville.

“The Louisville Fire department responded to immediately search for people, extinguish the fire and secure the location,” the city’s statement read. “Firefighters rescued and evacuated many people from inside the building, some with serious and/or life-threatening injuries.”

The city also confirmed emergency services transported 12 injured people to hospitals in the area.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg later shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that two people died from injuries they sustained in the explosion. 

“I am saddened and I am angered,” he wrote. “These are two people who just went to work to do their jobs and provide for their families when the unthinkable happened.”

“The first victim who passed away was transported to University Hospital and died as a result of injuries sustained in the blast,” Greenberg added. 

He continued, “The second victim was found in the rubble as Louisville Firefighters went back into the building last night to confirm all employees were presented [sic] and accounted for."

Greenberg wrote on X that the city stands united with the victims’ families, acknowledging the “difficult days, weeks, months, and years ahead” they will face. 

As reported by the Associated Press, Givaudan Sense Colour manufactures colorings for drinks and foods.  

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the company said that it was “saddened” by the deaths of the two workers.  

“We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those that were lost and injured during this very difficult time. City leaders have stated there is no ongoing threat to those in the immediate proximity or the surrounding community,” read the statement in part. 

"There have been reports of damage to some homes and buildings near the factory and we are in touch with first responders who are supporting those impacted. We are in the early stages of investigating the cause of this incident and are cooperating with first responders and supporting agencies,” Givaudan added.

The company concluded its statement by saying that it has been in touch with the victims’ families and is “committed to supporting them in the coming days and weeks."

Patrick Livers, who lives in the vicinity of the explosion, told the AP he received a phone call at work from his mother, who told him that his home was damaged. 

“I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ “ Livers told the news service. “Then she showed me the video. I was like, ‘Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.’  “

The City of Louisville said in its news release that the Louisville Fire Department is leading the investigation, adding that a reconstruction team from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms was scheduled to arrive in Louisville to assist in determining the cause of the incident. The city also said that the local chapter of the American Red Cross is helping those impacted or displaced by the explosion.