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Maine lumber mill explosion injures at least 11 as firefighters respond to roaring blaze
Waldo County officials said at least 5 people were injured as crews responded to the blaze and investigated a possible gas leak.
- Emergency crews responded Friday morning to an explosion and massive fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a town of about 1,500 people near Portland, as The Maine Fire Marshals Office and multiple fire departments declared a mass casualty incident.
- Purchasing manager Ben Hamel said the fire started in an area where wood shavings are packed in plastic bags, then spread to a nearby silo filled with dust that exploded. A significant amount of gas was present at the site.
- Waldo County officials reported at least 11 people injured as of midday Friday, with one burn victim transported to Augusta hospital by ambulance crew. About a dozen firefighters at the scene may also be injured.
- Authorities said they are still investigating the cause of the blast as Governor Janet Mills, D-Maine, urged residents to stay clear of the area. Route 131 was closed at the intersection of School Street and Ghent Road.
- Robbins Lumber, a family-owned firm since 1881, operates in Maine's lumber industry which contributed more than $8 billion to the state's economy in 2024 and provides about 29,000 jobs. The incident impacts a critical sector for rural Maine.
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One Firefighter Dead, at Least 11 Injured After Massive Explosion at Maine Lumber Mill
One firefighter is dead, and at least 11 other firefighters and civilians are injured and in critical condition after a lumber mill explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, on Friday.
·United States
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Total News Sources129
Leaning Left16Leaning Right13Center86Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
14%
C 75%
11%
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