Authorities responded to a large explosion that engulfed the Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, on Wednesday.
Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Stephen McCausland said the mill, which employs nearly 500 people, was able to account for all of its employees.
“So although there were some initial indications of injuries, the extent of, or if there even were injuries, is still being looked at,” McCausland said. He added later, “We’re hearing from the mill that all employees and contractors are accounted for and that there are no injuries.”
The explosion was first reported to the police around noon. Multiple fire departments responded to the explosion, including a Life Flight helicopter to help in the rescue efforts. The Maine State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office also have crews at the scene. Many people in the area reported that the explosion rattled nearby homes.
Several witnesses to the explosion captured footage and posted it to social media, showing the mill erupting as a massive cloud of smoke and debris flew into the sky.
Rick Pratt, a driver for Richard Currier Trucking, had one of several trucks waiting to transfer materials at the mill. He filmed the explosion as debris rained down on his truck. Rebecca Burhoe was also driving by the mill when the explosion happened. She told the Sun Journal that the explosion blew at the center of the mill. She said thick smoke quickly filled the air, adding, “I couldn’t see anything.”
“I can’t even tell you the amount of first responders, fire departments, it’s crazy,” Burhoe said.
Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins tweeted her support for those who were injured, writing, “Please join me in praying for the safety of the workers at the mill in Jay, their families, and the emergency responders at the scene. The extent of the damage isn’t yet clear, but we do know that our neighbors in Franklin County need our support.”
Please join me in praying for the safety of the workers at the mill in Jay, their families, and the emergency responders at the scene. The extent of the damage isn’t yet clear, but we do know that our neighbors in Franklin County need our support. https://t.co/qlYsbpQIxR
— Susan Collins for Senator (@SenSusanCollins) April 15, 2020
Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced she would be delaying a COVID-19 virus press conference she had scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to give full attention to the explosion. She urged people to stay away from the area as first responders continue to work on the scene.
“In this already difficult moment, let us summon the strength and resilience which has defined us as Maine people throughout our history and which has sustained us and carried us through our most challenging times,” Mills tweeted.
— Governor Janet Mills (@GovJanetMills) April 15, 2020
The mill, which was purchased earlier this year by Pixelle Specialty Paper Solutions, is located 30 miles northwest of the capital city of Augusta. Alan Ulman, spokesman for Pixelle Specialty Solutions, told News Center Maine that the company is not sure what caused the explosion.
“We are obviously researching it,” Ulman said. “We promptly implemented emergency response procedures. There are multiple emergency personnel at the scene. Obviously our first concern is to verify that the employees are accounted for, and we have no definitive information yet. Our second priority is to determine any environmental impact to the surrounding area and again, I have no definitive information yet.”
