‘Mass casualty incident’ after explosion near Maine lumber complex

At least 11 people were injured Friday in a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, prompting a mass casualty response.

Both firefighters and civilians were injured in the incident with multiple Mayday calls issued during the response and several fire trucks damaged or destroyed, the Thorndike Fire Department told WMTW.

Robbins Lumber co-owner Catherine Robbins-Halsted said all employees were “accounted for” after the incident happened around 11 a.m., while officials said at a 3:30 p.m. news conference that they were not yet confirming the number or identities of those injured as they worked to verify details and notify families.

Searsmont resident George Sprowl told the Bangor Daily News that he was walking his dog when he saw smoke and then “the sky went back all at once,” which he believed marked the moment a wood-shavings silo exploded at the mill. He said Robbins Lumber is the town’s most important employer, and that many residents likely know people who were affected.

“I don’t know how many people have been hurt there, but just so many of them we probably know, you know,” Sprowl told the outlet. “This is a terrible catastrophe for Searsmont.”

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center received one patient in critical condition in connection with the explosion, per WMTW. Another patient, described by family as a firefighter from Lincolnville, is being transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to the outlet.

Maine Medical Center said it is preparing to receive 10 additional patients who were initially treated at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital, per the report.

The World Health Organization defines a mass casualty incident as an event that generates more patients at one time than locally available resources can manage using routine procedures.

The fire was contained but not fully extinguished as of 3:30 p.m. EST. Roads in the area remained closed as officials urged the public to avoid the area.

Governor Janet Mills had been briefed on the situation and was on her way to Searsmont during Friday’s news conference, officials said.

“I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond. I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts,” Mills said in a statement earlier Friday.

Multiple other Maine state officials and politicians have released statements regarding the explosion.

Senator Susan Collins said: "The Robbins family is beloved in the Searsmont community, and Robbins Lumber is a piece of Maine history. I have known the family for many years. My heart goes out to them, their employees, and the first responders who have come from all over the region to help in the emergency response. This is a very sad crisis, and all those affected are in my prayers."

“Please be in prayer for the Robbins family, the employees, the first responders, and all those involved with the fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont,” Representative Reagan Paul said in a social media post. “At least five people have been hurt after a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont. However, Waldo County officials say a ‘full assessment’ is not complete.”

“The Maine Fire Marshals Office and multiple fire departments are responding to what Waldo County Dispatch is calling a mass casualty incident following an explosion and massive fire,” Paul added.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the members at this incident,” the Kennebunk Fire-Rescue said in a social media post. “A large explosion occurred significantly burning numerous firefighters and lighting their apparatus on fire.”