GURNEE (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A large explosion in Waukegan was heard and felt all over Lake County Friday night. The Lake County Sheriff reports the explosion came from a Silicone factory in the area close to Sunset Avenue and Northwestern Avenue in Waukegan. The sheriff is asking people to stay away from the area as they quell the fire. Debris, fire and explosions were seen on social media, with people reporting that the sound was heard from more than 10 miles away.
It was initially speculated to be a small hurricane or a thunderclap, but Lake County confirmed it was a factory explosion. Although there are no reported injuries yet, a third ambulence is veing rushed to the scene.
Social media was also exploding with pictures, videos and tweets of what residents observed.
Explosion on sunset in Waukegan il pic.twitter.com/uzyR3PkUZD
— ClassyMatty (@DeshaunMatthew1) May 4, 2019Northern Illinois... some kind of massive explosion in Lake County. Shook houses for miles. Reports of smoke to the east, possibly Gurnee/Waukegan. A boom unlike anything I've ever heard before.
— James Zahn - The Rock Father™ (@therockfather) May 4, 2019You can hear the factory plant explosion in this.. just happened a few minutes ago in Gurnee.. pic.twitter.com/VAIC9pE7FI
— BL----M (@leeblooms) May 4, 2019We are working to confirm the explosion in Waukegan but @LakeCoILSheriff says to stay clear of the Sunset Avenue and Green Bay Road intersection. https://t.co/cX5QnnVxSC
— WBBM Newsradio (@WBBMNewsradio) May 4, 2019This is a developing story. Check back for more details and listen live as we continue investigating the issue.
