An explosion occurred at a nonprofit building in Farmington, Maine, on Monday morning, leaving a firefighter dead and six injured.
Of the six injured, four are firefighters, one is a paramedic, and one is an employee of the nonprofit, CNN reported.
People in the building had reported smelling propane at approximately 8:06 a.m. EST, prompting firefighters to respond to the scene, shortly after which the building exploded.
Video from nearby the scene showed smoke and debris filling the sky.
***Language Alert***
There’s been a huge explosion in Farmington, Maine on Route 2. This video was taken from @jenay_d showing the scene #7News pic.twitter.com/HrWiIBhSqX— Juliana Mazza (@julianamazzatv) September 16, 2019
The building belongs to the nonprofit Life Enrichment Advancing People (LEAP), an organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities.
A local resident, Jacob Gage, told CNN, “The scene was very ominous. There was still insulation falling from the sky like a gentle snow and first responders were running around trying to administer first aid … .”
Maine Gov. Janet Mills tweeted, “I am closely monitoring the explosion in Farmington and have instructed the Department of Public Safety to keep me apprised of the situation. Per protocol, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will thoroughly investigate the cause and origin of this devastating explosion.”
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragedy, especially to the loved ones of the firefighter lost and others injured. I am grateful for the work of first responders who are at the scene and urge Maine people to avoid the area. (2/2)
— Governor Janet Mills (@GovJanetMills) September 16, 2019
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragedy, especially to the loved ones of the firefighter lost and others injured. I am grateful for the work of first responders who are at the scene and urge Maine people to avoid the area,” Mills added.
