A co-owner of the Maine lumber mill destroyed in an explosion has died from his injuries, raising the toll from the “mass casualty event” to three, including two firefighters, according to statements from the Robbins family and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
“Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved,” his family said in a statement.
“Throughout his battle, he fought with extraordinary courage and determination, holding on so that his family could have precious time with him. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him.”
Two firefighters also died from injuries suffered while battling the May 15 fire: Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, and Andrew Cross, 27, a member of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department.
Ten others were injured in the incident, among them Robbins’ daughter, Lily.
“My heart is with his family, including his father and former company President James Robbins, Alden’s wife, Amy, and their six children,” Mills said in a statement.
“I ask Maine people to join me in keeping the Robbins family and all impacted by this tragedy in their hearts and in their prayers during this difficult time.”
Dramatic images from the blast showed thick columns of smoke pouring from the mill and rising far above the facility.
Officials say that particulate matter in one of the mill’s silos rapidly ignited, causing the silo to explode and lift from its concrete base and release huge amounts of sawdust and other materials.
The silo then fell over and the surrounding area caught fire.
With Post wires
