Key facts
- Alden J. Robbins, co-owner of Robbins Lumber, died from injuries sustained in a mill fire and explosion.
- Robbins' death raises the total fatalities from the incident to three.
- Two firefighters, Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury and Andrew Cross, previously died from injuries sustained while fighting the blaze.
- Ten people were injured in the incident, including Robbins' daughter Lily.
- The fire and explosion are believed to have been accidental, originating from a silo.
- The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office indicated rapid ignition of particulate material caused the silo explosion.
The co-owner of a Maine lumber mill has died from injuries sustained in a fire and explosion at the facility, bringing the total number of fatalities to three. Alden J. Robbins passed away on Thursday from injuries he suffered in the May 15 blaze at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.
The incident, which sent plumes of black smoke into the sky, required a response from hundreds of firefighters. Two firefighters, Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, previously died from injuries sustained while battling the fire. Ten people were injured, including Robbins’ daughter Lily.
Maine Governor Janet Mills described Robbins as a leader in the state's lumber industry for decades and a devoted steward of the business. She extended her condolences to his family, including his father, former company President James Robbins, his wife Amy, and their six children.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office stated that the fire was accidental and originated at the base of a silo. They indicated that a rapid ignition of particulate material caused an explosion in the silo, which lifted from its concrete base and released large amounts of sawdust and other materials. The silo then toppled, and the surrounding area became engulfed in fire.