A pair of workers injured in an explosion at a Granite City factory Thursday morning remain in critical condition Friday morning.

Reginald Golliday and Danny Wilson are believed to have suffered broken bones, cuts and burns in the explosion that occurred when gas ignited in a cleaning and finishing area of the plant that makes railroad carriages.

A total of 10 people are believed to have been injured in the explosion. Golliday and Wilson were airlifted to Mercy Hospital St. Louis which has a renowned burn treatment center. A third man is also reported to have been airlifted for medical assistance. But that employee's condition and identity have not been released.

Robert Lott, United Steelworkers of America Local 1063 President, was working in the plant at 1700 Walnut Street when the explosion occurred. He was about 100 yards away from the point of ignition. He said he saw a flash underneath the wooden platform on which the injured workers were operating equipment. Then everything went dark as the blast shook dirt and dust down from the rafters.

According to Granite City Assistant Fire Chief Jim Snelson, an emergency call came at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday from the factory.