Three dead, one missing in US silicones plant explosion

Waukegan, Illinois – Three persons are dead and another one is missing in an explosion at the AB Specialty Silicones facility in Waukegan.

The explosion occurred about 9:30 pm on 3 May.

The workers who died in the explosion warned their colleagues of the disaster, thus saving the lives of their colleagues, according to Waukegan Fire Chief George Bridges.

More than 100 first responders fought the blaze at AB Specialty Silicones and aided the workers there, he said.

"We are shocked and heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred in our plant on 3 May," Mac Penman, AB Specialty Silicones general manager, said in a statement on the company website.

"We are trying our best to support all of the members of our AB family as we attempt to process this terrible loss together."

AB Specialty Silicones manufacturers specialty silicone raw materials under the Andisil brand name, according to the company website.

Earlier this year, the company purchased a 40,000-sq.-ft. building for production, warehouse and office space, bringing its corporate campus to four buildings and 240,000 square feet.