Structural issues are hindering the search for a missing worker at a suburban plant following a massive explosion on Friday, according to officials.
During a press conference Sunday, the Lake County coroner confirmed that a second body has been located in the rubble at the AB Specialty Silicones plant, which was heavily damaged by an explosion on Friday night in suburban Waukegan.
Recovery efforts are underway to remove the body from the scene, officials said. Autopsies are expected on Monday for two of the victims located in the rubble, and officials expect that they will be able to identify the victims after the procedure takes place.
Meanwhile, the search is continuing for another victim trapped in the rubble at the building, and rescuers are being hindered by the remnants of the building, which were deemed "structurally unsound."
Cadaver dogs are canvassing the scene, and rescue workers are carefully picking their way through the rubble in an effort to find what is believed to be a fourth victim in the blast.
"The building is not structurally sound," Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper said. "We can't risk anyone else getting hurt or killed during this recovery effort."
Dr. Cooper said that he will perform autopsies on two of the victims in Friday's blast, and will have to use dental records to identify at least one of the victims.
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Fire officials are also continuing to investigate the cause of the blast, but initial findings have indicated that the explosion was accidental, according to authorities.
A final determination will be made at a later date, according to authorities.
Officials also said that over half of the building's structure still needs to be searched as workers try to find the final victim in the blast, but that work will continue until that job is done.
Friday night's blast sent debris flying in all directions from the AB Specialty Silicones plant in the 3700 block of Sunset Avenue in suburban Waukegan.
A total of four workers were taken to area hospitals, with Stevens passing away Saturday afternoon.
Heavy equipment remains on the scene as workers try to dismantle the debris to make it safe for rescue workers to search for the missing individuals.
Officials say that when firefighters arrived at the scene, they noted heavy damage and a massive fire. Rescue workers also encountered injured workers from the plant and transported them to local hospitals. Other neighboring fire departments were called in to help battle the massive fire.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has also announced that after extensive air quality and water monitoring tests that there is no danger posed to the public by the aftermath of the explosion. OSHA investigators have also been called to evaluate the incident.
“We are shocked and heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred in our plant last night,” AB Speciality Silicones GM Mac Penman said in a statement. “We have spent the day trying our best to support all of the members of our AB family as we attempt to process this terrible loss together.
“We want to express our extreme gratitude to all the first responders who arrived at the scene. We continue to work closely with the Waukegan Fire Department and the Illinois Fire Marshal as they secure the scene and complete their investigation,” he added.
