A somber moment: Watch as a firefighter's body is removed from the fire in Searsmont, Maine
Federal investigators joined state officials to determine the cause as eight patients remained hospitalized and two were in critical condition, officials said.
- On Friday, a deadly explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont killed 27-year-old Andrew Cross of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department and injured at least 10 others. Federal and state investigators arrived Sunday to determine the cause.
- First responders initially responded to a reported silo fire around 10 a.m. Friday before an explosion occurred. The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office and the ATF National Response Team are conducting a joint scene examination to determine the origin.
- Cross, who also worked at Bath Iron Works as a machinist, died at the scene. As of Sunday, eight patients remained at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center while two others were in critical condition at Mass General Brigham Hospital.
- Community support has surged across Maine, with the Fraternity Village General Store organizing donations and former volunteer firefighter Bryan Clement raising over $20,000 for victims. Residents and church members are providing food, water, and funds to assist those impacted.
- Operations at the scene are expected to continue throughout the week as investigators work. Family spokesperson Christian Halsted stated the mill will not operate in the near future, calling the fire a "hugely devastating day for the family.
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Investigation into Searsmont mill explosion continues, 10 remain hospitalized
Maine politicians offered their condolences to the loved ones of Andrew Cross, the firefighter who was killed in the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber on Friday.
Feds join probe of deadly Searsmont lumber mill explosion and fire
Federal agents joined state investigators Sunday to help determine what caused the deadly fire and explosion Friday at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team will conduct a joint investigation with state fire marshal investigators, who requested the ATF’s assistance. The ATF team includes forensic scientist…
ATF joins investigation into Maine lumber mill explosion and fire
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT) is in Maine assisting with the investigation into a deadly fire and explosion at a lumber mill on Friday.
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