Fundraisers launched as 8 remain hospitalized days after fire, explosion at Maine lumber mill

"The May 15 explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine killed one firefighter, 27-year-old Andrew Cross, and injured 12 others people, Maine's Department of Public Safety confirmed Monday night. Multiple first responders, firefighters, and the mill's owners are still hospitalized after the massive fire and explosion at a lumber mill in rural Maine, state officials said."

"Investigators with the state's Office of State Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are investigating the fire. Strong winds have at times interrupted the investigation and caused "flying debris," with one ATF investigator sustaining a minor injury related to the "difficult site conditions," state officials said Monday. Robbins Lumber is fully cooperating with investigators, and portions of the mill can operate safely while the investigation continues, officials said."

""Operational activities focused heavily on scene documentation, evidence preservation, aerial mapping, and ongoing witness interviews," an update from the fire marshal's office said. "Investigators also examined similar mill infrastructure and electrical systems to understand the facility layout and operational processes better.""

"Two of the mill's owners - Alden and James Robbins - are both hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital, officials said Monday night. Searsmont EMS member Liliane Robbins, who is a family member of the Robbins family, is also hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital's burn center, the family said. "They have a long road to recovery ahead, but they are in the very best hands, and we look forward to their return," the f"

A May 15 explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine killed firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, and injured 12 others. Multiple first responders, firefighters, and the mill’s owners remained hospitalized after the fire and explosion. The Maine Department of Public Safety confirmed the casualty count. A GoFundMe raised more than $30,000 toward a $40,000 goal to support first responders. Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the incident. Strong winds at times interrupted the investigation and caused flying debris, and one ATF investigator reported a minor injury related to difficult site conditions. Robbins Lumber cooperated, and some operational activities continued while documentation, evidence preservation, aerial mapping, and witness interviews proceeded. Alden and James Robbins and a family member, Liliane Robbins, were hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital’s burn center.

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