PHOTOS: A firefighter is dead and several people are in serious and critical condition after a burning silo exploded at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. Maine State Police have identified the victim as Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross.
Cross’ remains were transported from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta to a funeral home in Belfast Saturday morning. “Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Andrew Cross, the Morrill Firefighter who lost his life during the tragic events at Searsmont.” Maine State Police said in a Facebook post.
The scene was turned over to the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office on Saturday. On Sunday morning, investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal (FMO) were joined by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT).
Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct a joint scene examination to determine the origin and cause of the fire and subsequent explosion. “We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation. ATF is the only federal agency tasked with fire investigation.”
“Therefore, at our request, the ATF NRT has responded with specialized personnel and resources, including forensic scientists, electrical engineers, computer modeling experts, and additional fire investigation personnel to support complex investigations of this nature,” the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office said in a statement on Sunday.
Investigators were expected to remain on scene for most of the week. “The impact of this emergency will be felt for years to come,” the Fire Marshal’s Office said.
WMTW-TV ABC 8 Poland Spring
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