27-year-old firefighter killed, 10 injured in massive fire, explosion at Maine lumber mill
A 27-year-old firefighter was killed and 10 others were injured after a massive explosion and fire ripped through a lumber company in Maine, officials said.
The fallen firefighter was identified as Andrew Cross of Morrill, the Maine Department of Public Safety said on Saturday.
"Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the firefighter’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this devastating time," State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said in a statement.
The fire was reported Friday morning at a silo at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, officials said. Searsmont is about 90 miles northeast of Portland.
Firefighters were on the scene when an explosion occurred, killing Cross and injuring multiple people, including some who were hospitalized in critical condition, the public safety department said. Maine Medical Center in Portland said it was treating 10 patients.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills said on social media on Friday that she visited Searsmont to thank the first responders.
"For five generations, Robbins Lumber has been a cornerstone of the community and a mainstay of the forest products industry," the governor said. "I told the Robbins family that Maine people will have their back as they face the challenge ahead. I ask Maine people to keep the Robbins family, their employees, first responders, and the people of Searsmont and Waldo County in their thoughts and prayers."
ABC News' Victoria Arancio contributed to this report.
