(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A deadly chemical explosion in the northern suburbs has been re-constructed using computer animation.
A new video produced by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazardous Investigation Board recreates the explosion at AB Specialty Silicones in Waukegan on May 3, 2019.
Investigators found that a worker at the plant, which produced silicones for a wide variety of uses, injected a chemical into a tank that was incompatible with another chemical. This led to a buildup in hydrogen gas and an explosion, officials said.
The ensuing blast killed four workers and leveled the plant.
Lead investigator Vonzella Vincent said the disaster may have been averted had there been better ventilation at the plant.
AB Specialty Silicones was cited for 12 violations by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.