At least 4 injured after a massive explosion, a fire in the Waukegan factory

At least four people have been hospitalized and several are still missing after the massive explosion and fire that razed a factory in Waukegan on Friday night, officials said.

Emergency teams responded around 9:30 pm Friday at AB Specialty Silicones, at 3790 Sunset Avenue in Waukegan, for a reported explosion.

The plant was reportedly razed by the explosion and reportedly heavily involved in a fire. Lake County residents reported feeling and hearing the explosion for miles.

City of Waukegan officials warned people to stay away because the emergency crews were working.

Waukegan Fire Marshal Steve Lenzi said at least four people had been transported to hospitals in the area. Their conditions are unknown at the moment.

Mr Lenzi said that several factory employees were still missing, adding that the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Teams of firefighters from all over Lake County and Cook were called to the scene. AB Specialty Silicones is a manufacturing and distribution company specializing in the production of raw silicone products.

At 12:25 Saturday, the fire continues to burn. The debris of the blast has covered Sunset Avenue, off Northwestern Avenue, while dozens of fire crews are still on the scene.

This is a story in development. Check later for updates.