On Friday evening, may 3, silicone plant in Waigani (Il), located approximately 80 km North of Chicago, occurred the explosion, «like an earthquake». At least 4 people wounded, 2 missing and 1 dead. It is established that at the time of the explosion at the company AB Specialty Silicones employed 9 people. The incident occurred at 21:45 and at this time the plant opened and worked normally.
Surveillance cameras recorded the moment of the explosion at the factory:
VIDEO: Injuries reported after AB Specialty Silicones building explodes in Waukegan, Illinois pic.twitter.com/x0ldbS1x4h
— Breaking News LIVE (@NewsBreaking) May 4, 2019
Video Explosion #Explosion #Waukegan pic.twitter.com/cSpCFhl3Zh
— Renee Lee Greco (@ReneeLeeGreco) May 4, 2019
4 victims of plant employees were taken to local hospitals with injuries of varying severity. 2 employees present at the time the plant was not injured and did not need medical assistance.
The building of the plant was badly damaged in the explosion and the ensuing firewhich was completely extinguished in a few hours.
#Waukegan — getting a look at the complete destruction from last night’s explosion/fire at AB Specialty Silicones. 4 injured, 3 still unaccounted for. Sunset Ave is closed from Delany to Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/C1sZTNy0D1
— Jeanette Hudson (@JHudsontraffic) May 4, 2019
According to the report of the chief of the fire Department WAUKEGAN Steven Lenzi, early on Saturday morning was found dead one and 3 workers missing. After that, firefighters were forced to halt the search due to the fact that the design of the buildings became unstable. The other 2 missing, most likely, also died. It is expected that in a few days it will be delivered «heavy equipment» with which rescuers will be able to continue the search and clearing of the site.
The cause of the explosion yet installed.
Local residents said that the explosion «was like an earthquake» and was heard and physically felt at a distance of about 10 miles from the epicenter.
According to Lenzi, the damage from the explosion that has affected at least 5 of the surrounding buildings, is estimated to be worth in excess of $1 million.
