The co-owner of a Maine lumber mill has died of injuries from the mill fire and explosion
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The co-owner of a Maine sawmill has died from injuries sustained during a fire. fire and explosion The number of people who lost their lives in the facility increased to 3.
Alden J. Robbins died Thursday from injuries sustained in a May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Robbins family announced Friday. The fire sent black smoke into the sky and required the intervention of authorities. hundreds of firefighters to a rural part of the state.
Two firefighters lost their lives Due to injuries sustained during firefighting. They are Searsmont Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76; and Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Ten people were injured, including Robbins’ daughter Lily.
“Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing meant more to him than the people he loved,” his family said. “Throughout his struggle, he fought with extraordinary courage and determination, holding on so his family could spend precious time with him. He passed away peacefully with those who loved him around him.”
The investigation into the fire continues. Authorities said the fire was accidental and originated at the bottom of the silo.
The rapid ignition of particulate material caused an explosion in the silo, causing it to lift off of its concrete base and releasing large amounts of sawdust and other materials, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office said. The silo then collapsed and the surrounding area was engulfed in fire.
Robbins was a leader in Maine’s lumber industry for decades and “a devoted servant of one of our state’s most established businesses,” Mills said.
“My thoughts go out to his family, including his father and former company chairman James Robbins, Alden’s wife Amy and their six children,” Mills said in a statement. “I ask the people of Maine to join me in keeping the Robbins family and everyone affected by this tragedy in their hearts and prayers during this difficult time.”
