Gurnee explosion: 1 dead, 2 missing after the explosion of a silicone factory in Waukegan, Illinois on Friday

Waukegan, Illinois – One person is dead and two others are missing after the explosion of a silicone factory in the city of Waukegan, Illinois on Friday night, the Waukegan Fire Marshal said, Steven Lenzi. Emergency teams in Waukegan have suspended the search for missing employees due to unsafe materials and the structural integrity of the building. According to officials, it is unlikely that the missing people survived the blast, CBS reported Chicago.

According to officials, nine people were in the building at the time of the explosion in the city north of Chicago. Four people were transported to local hospitals.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of everyone involved in this horrible incident," said Waukegan Fire Marshal Steven Lenzi. "Our staff worked tirelessly all night to control this scene with the help of many neighboring agencies."

According to officials, the explanation of the explosion, which damaged at least five other buildings in the area, was not immediately obvious.

AB Specialty Silicones manufactures and distributes various grades of silicone products, reported CBS Chicago.