May 15 ComDust explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber claims third life

May 15 ComDust explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber claims third life July 7, 2026 | 3:54 pm CDT

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Woodworking Industry News

May 15 ComDust explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber claims third life

By

Rich Christianson

July 7, 2026 | 3:54 pm CDT

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Investigators believe the deadly explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber was fueled by an accumulation of combustible dust.

SEARSMONT, Maine, Alden Robbins, a member of the family that owns Robbins Lumber, died July 2 from injuries he sustained in a combustible dust explosion and fire that occurred May 15 at the sawmill operation.

Robbins is the third person to die as a result of the incident. Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, of the Searsmont Fire Department, died June 14, from injuries he suffered in the incident. He had been receiving treatment at Maine Medical Center in Portland. The explosion also killed firefighter Andrew Cross and injured more than a dozen others.

The Robbins Family issued the following statement on the company’s website:

“It is with profound sadness that the Robbins family announces the passing of Alden J. Robbins, who died on July 2, 2026, from injuries sustained in the tragic accident at Robbins Lumber on May 15, 2026.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved. 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.

“Our family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the medical teams at Maine Medical Center in Portland and at the Sumner Redstone Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Their skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication went far beyond what could ever have been expected. They cared not only for Alden, but for our entire family during the most difficult days of our lives, and we will always be grateful.

We are also profoundly thankful for the countless prayers, messages of support, acts of kindness, and generosity shown by our employees, friends, neighbors, the forest products community, first responders, and people from across Maine and beyond. Your support has been a source of strength for our family.”

While officials said they believe the deadly explosion and fire was an accident, their investigation continues. Investigators believe the fire originated in the area of the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo. Before fire suppression operations could fully contain the smoldering fire, a rapid ignition of suspended particulate material resulted in an explosion within the silo.

Investigators determined during the explosion that the silo lifted from its concrete base, releasing large amounts of sawdust and additional particulate material. The silo then toppled over, at which point the surrounding area became rapidly engulfed in fire. The fire rapidly spread to adjacent buildings and structures within the mill complex, contributing to the extensive damage to multiple buildings.

The lumber company resumed mill operations and began processing orders again on May 26, less than two weeks after the explosion.

 

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About the author

Rich Christianson

| President/Owner/C-Level

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.

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