Mass Casualty After Maine Mill Explosion

At least 11 individuals were hurt on Friday following a fire andexplosionat Robbins Lumber in SearsmontMaine, leading to a large-scale emergency response.

Both firefightersand individuals were harmed in the event, with numerous Mayday alerts sent out during the response and multiple fire engines damaged or lost, the Thorndike Fire Department reportedWMTW.

Catherine Robbins-Halsted, co-owner of Robbins Lumber, stated that all staff members were "accounted for" following the incident, which occurred approximately at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, authorities mentioned during a press briefing at 3:30 p.m. that they had not yet confirmed the number or identities of those who were hurt, as they continued to gather information and inform families.

Resident of Searsmont, George Sprowl, stated theBangor Daily Newsthat he was taking his dog for a walk when he noticed smoke, and then "the sky suddenly returned," which he thought indicated the moment a wood-chip silo exploded at the mill. He mentioned that Robbins Lumber is the town's primary employer, and that many residents probably know someone who was impacted.

I'm not sure how many people have been affected there, but so many of them we likely know, you know," Sprowl said to the outlet. "This is a terrible disaster for Searsmont.

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center admitted one patient in critical condition related to the explosion, according to WMTW. A second patient, identified by family as a firefighter from Lincolnville, is being moved to Maine Medical Center in Portland, as reported by the source.

Maine Medical Center stated that it is getting ready to admit 10 more patients who were first treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, according to the report.

The World Health Organizationdefines a mass casualty incident as a situation that produces a large number of injured individuals at once, exceeding the capacity of local resources to handle them through standard methods.

The fire had been controlled but was not completely out by 3:30 p.m. EST. Local roads were still closed, with authorities advising people to stay away from the zone.

Governor Janet Millshad received information about the circumstances and was en route to Searsmont during Friday's press briefing, officials stated.

"I encourage everyone to avoid the area, comply with law enforcement directions, and let emergency workers handle the situation. I ask residents of Maine to stand with me in thinking about everyone impacted," Mills stated in a message released earlier on Friday.

Several other Maine state officials and politicians have issued comments about the explosion.

Senator Susan Collins stated, "The Robbins family is cherished within the Searsmont area, and Robbins Lumber represents a part of Maine's heritage. I have been familiar with the family for many years. My deepest condolences go to them, their staff, and the emergency personnel who have traveled from across the region to assist in the response. This is a deeply tragic situation, and I am keeping everyone impacted in my thoughts."

"Please pray for the Robbins family, the staff, the emergency personnel, and everyone connected with the fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont," Representative Reagan PaulsaidAt least five individuals have been injured following a fire and explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont. That said, officials from Waldo County mention that a 'complete evaluation' is still ongoing.

"The Maine Fire Marshals Office along with several fire departments are addressing what Waldo County Dispatch has described as a mass casualty event after an explosion and large-scale fire," Paul said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the members involved in this incident," said the Kennebunk Fire-Rescue.social media postA major explosion took place, severely burning many firefighters and setting their equipment ablaze.

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