At least five people were injured after a fire and explosion at a historic lumber mill in Maine Friday, prompting what officials described as a mass casualty response.
The incident happened around 11 a.m. Friday at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a longtime lumber facility on Main Street, after a wood-shaving silo reportedly exploded, people at the scene told the Midcoast Villager. Kennebunk Fire-Rescue said in a Facebook comment that crews initially responded to a silo fire before it exploded.
“Please be in prayer for the Robbins family, the employees, the first responders, and all those involved with the fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont,” Representative Reagan Paul said in a social media post. At least five people have been hurt after a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont. However, Waldo County officials say a ‘full assessment’ is not complete.”
“The Maine Fire Marshals Office and multiple fire departments are responding to what Waldo County Dispatch is calling a mass casualty incident following an explosion and massive fire,” Paul added.
The Kennebunk Fire-Rescue said in a separate post, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the members at this incident. A large explosion occurred significantly burning numerous firefighters and lighting their apparatus on fire.”
Thick smoke and flames engulfed parts of the property as multiple fire departments and investigators from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded, according to News Center Maine. Flames were still burning hours later as firefighters used tanker trucks drawing water from the nearby St. George River to fight the blaze.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center confirmed to NCM that it received one patient connected to the explosion who is in critical condition. Hospital officials said it remains prepared to accept additional patients if needed, as emergency crews continue working at the scene.
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