SEARSMONT, Maine — The firefighter who tragically lost his life while responding to a devastating silo explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill on Friday has been identified.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that 27-year-old Andrew Cross, a firefighter with the nearby Morrill Fire Department, was killed in the line of duty. Cross had responded alongside dozens of local first responders to battle an initial fire in one of the facility’s silos before it catastrophically exploded, triggering a mass casualty event.
State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the firefighter’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this devastating time.”
Following the tragedy, a procession of over 100 first responders gathered in Augusta to salute and escort Cross’s remains. An honorable transfer took place on Saturday morning, with emergency vehicles accompanying him along Route 3 to a funeral home in Belfast.
The explosion left at least 10 other people injured, several of whom remain in serious or critical condition at hospitals across the state, including MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland. The blast drew mutual aid from more than 20 surrounding fire departments. A massive state and federal investigation into the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion is underway.
For more details on the community impact and ongoing coverage, view the original report at the Portland Press Herald.
