The co-owner of a Maine lumber mill has died from injuries sustained in an explosion, increasing the total death toll from the incident to three. Two firefighters were among those who died as a result of the blast on May 15.
Alden Robbins, co-owner of the mill in Searsmont, Maine, passed away surrounded by his family, according to statements from the Robbins family and Maine Governor Janet Mills. Robbins' daughter, Lily, was among the ten individuals injured in the event.
Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and Andrew Cross, 27, a firefighter with the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, died from injuries sustained while responding to the fire. Governor Mills offered her condolences, stating, "My heart is with his family, including his father and former company President James Robbins, Alden’s wife, Amy, and their six children."
Officials reported that the explosion was caused by rapidly igniting particulate matter within one of the mill’s silos. The resulting blast lifted the silo from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and other materials. The silo then fell, triggering a fire in the surrounding area. Images from the scene showed significant smoke plumes emanating from the facility. Maine's lumber industry plays a significant role in the regional economy.