1 dead, several in critical condition after explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont

SEARSMONT, Maine (WABI) – One firefighter is lifeless and at least 10 folks have been injured after an explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont Friday.

The chief health worker recognized the fallen firefighter on Saturday as Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department.

As of Saturday afternoon, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland mentioned they proceed to deal with eight sufferers who have been injured in the explosion.

Mass General Hospital in Boston confirmed to WABI on Saturday afternoon they’ve accepted two sufferers, each are listed in critical condition.

Officials mentioned details about the injured will proceed to be launched when acceptable.

Public Information Officer Shannon Moss mentioned when firefighters arrived at the scene simply after 10 a.m. Friday, they encountered a fireplace in the silo at the mill.

While attempting to struggle that fireside, an explosion occurred. Cross was discovered deceased on scene.

Moss mentioned a number of different folks sustained accidents and have been transported to hospitals all through the state.

The trigger and origin of the fireplace are being investigated by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. Moss says due to the complexity of the scene, the investigation is anticipated to take a while.

WABI’s crew on scene Friday afternoon mentioned they heard 4 explosions.

The Thorndike Fire Department, which additionally responded, says a number of firefighters and civilians have been injured. They mentioned a number of hearth vans have been misplaced to fireside.

The Town of Rockport mentioned on Facebook Friday afternoon that the Rockport Fire Department has been on scene and all of their firefighters and paramedics have been unhurt and accounted for.

Catherine Robbins-Halsted, co-owner and vice chairman admin at Robbins Lumber, mentioned all workers are accounted for. She wouldn’t touch upon whether or not any workers have been injured.

Christian Halsted, a co-owner of Robbins Mills, mentioned the mill won’t be working this week as they cooperate with the investigation.

Assisting businesses included the Albion, Appleton, Belmont, Camden, Freedom, Hermon, Hope, Jackson, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Palermo, Prospect, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Thorndike, Union, Unity, Waldo, Warren, West Frankfort, and Whitefield Fire Departments, together with the Maine Forest Rangers, Maine State Police, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, ATF and OSHA.

The Red Cross of Northern New England mentioned that they had 10 skilled catastrophe responders on scene Friday to verify firefighters and first responders had what they should proceed combating the fireplace.

Gov. Janet Mills made an announcement Friday after visiting the scene: “I visited Searsmont to thank the first responders on scene at Robbins Lumber. For five generations, Robbins Lumber has been a cornerstone of the community and a mainstay of the forest products industry. I told the Robbins family that Maine people will have their back as they face the challenge ahead. I ask Maine people to keep the Robbins family, their employees, first responders, and the people of Searsmont and Waldo County in their thoughts and prayers.”

Sen. Susan Collins launched the next assertion: “The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history. I have known the family for many years. My heart goes out to them, their employees, and the first responders who have come from all over the region to help in the emergency response. This is a very sad crisis, and all those affected are in my prayers.”

Congressman Jared Golden launched the next assertion Saturday: “There is no braver man than one who runs toward the danger to protect others. Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross was a hero who died far too young in the line of duty, confronting the blaze at the Robbins Lumber mill so that others could be safe. May he rest in peace.

I am keeping Andrew, his family, his friends and all of our first responders in my thoughts today. And Izzy and I continue to pray for the recovery of the others injured in Friday’s fire.

I’m also aware of what a loss this fire is to the region. I have met the Robbins family several times, and toured the mill in Searsmont. The damage to the facility is loss not only to their family business, but to the families of the dozens of people who work there.

In the wake of this tragedy, my staff and I stand ready to support the community in whatever way we can.”

Rep. Chellie Pingree released the following statement: “My heart is with the Searsmont community as officials respond to a reported mass casualty incident at Robbins Lumber. Please follow updates from local authorities, avoid the area, and keep those impacted and the first responders in your thoughts.”

Sen. Angus King released the following statement: “I am monitoring the reports tracking the explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, and commend the brave first responders who are now on the scene helping workers and their families. I have visited this mill frequently and my heart goes out to Jim Robbins and his family, the workers, and the Searsmont community. I ask locals to follow law enforcement instructions, and to look to official channels and trusted sources for more information as it becomes available.”

The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast released a statement Friday evening: “The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast is deeply saddened by the tragic explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine today. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, the Robbins Lumber team, first responders, and the surrounding community during this incredibly difficult time. Robbins Lumber has been a valued Supporting Member of the PLC for many years and is an important wood buyer for logging contractors throughout the region. The company has long played a significant role in supporting Maine’s forest economy and the livelihoods of many hardworking families connected to the industry. This is a close-knit industry, and incidents like this are felt throughout the entire region. As the situation continues to develop, we stand with everyone affected and remain hopeful for the speedy recovery of those injured. The PLC extends its heartfelt support to Robbins Lumber and all those impacted by this devastating event.”

State Senator Chip Curry of Waldo providing a statement on Friday: “The Robbins family has been part of the fabric of Searsmont for over a century. They are the definition of good neighbors and community leaders. We are devastated to see the impact of this event on the family and business. Our sincere gratitude and deep respect goes to the firefighting community of Waldo County who have responded today and who respond every day with courage, commitment, and professionalism. These heroes always have our backs, and in this moment of great pain, we want them to know that we have theirs. We wish to thank all of the first responders who rescued the injured, provided emergency medical care, and transported the injured to our hospitals for advanced medical care.”

According to the World Health Organization, a mass casualty incident is “characterized by a sudden surge in patients that overwhelms the capacity of local medical resources.”