3 believed dead, 4 hurt in Illinois silicone plant explosion

Waukegan, Ill. • Three people missing after an overnight explosion and fire at an Illinois silicone plant are believed dead, authorities said Saturday.

Waukegan Fire Marshal Steven Lenzi said crews suspended their search for three employees due to concerns about the stability of the structure.

Lenzi said it’s “not likely” that the three survived the Friday night explosion at AB Specialty Silicones in the Waukegan, about 50 miles north of Chicago. The coroner was on scene and crews are classifying the search as a recovery, he said.

"The conditions are really rough in there," Lenzi said. "There's a lot of damage. There was a lot of fire throughout."

Nine employees were inside the plant when the…