Kentucky Chemical Plant Fire Takes Life

A second person has died after an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Louisville’s Rubbertown area.

Deputy Jefferson County Coroner Robert Fraction confirmed that 56-year-old Jorge Medina of Louisville is dead after Monday’s blast.

Jody Meiman, assistant chief for the Lake Dreamland Fire Department, told The Courier-Journal an autopsy was set Tuesday for 59-year-old Steven Nichols of Charlestown, Ind., who died Monday.

Two others were treated and released from University Hospital overnight.

The fire was reported at 5:40 p.m. EDT Monday at the Carbide Industries plant. Police warned residents within a mile to stay inside but officials eventually gave the all-clear, saying air tests detected no danger.

The newspaper said the fire involved calcium carbide, a highly flammable material.