PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. — Sugar that was still burning three days after a refinery explosion killed at least five people hampered the search Sunday for three other workers missing since the blast leveled portions of the plant.
Crews used construction cranes to shore up three badly damaged 80-foot storage silos that rescue workers want to search for the missing men. One of the silos blew up late Thursday, possibly after combustible dust ignited.
Mounds of sugary sludge pouring out of the silos Sunday was solidifying — another obstacle to the recovery efforts.
Helicopters were to be brought in Sunday to pour retardant to put out the flames, police said. Rescue workers and company managers were trying to determine where the missing men might be. Officials were focusing on at least three areas of the plant, including the silos.
Seventeen workers remained hospitalized Sunday in critical condition with severe burns. Three others were released Sunday.
