Was reportedly making explosives to blow up tree stumps...

Lincoln man killed in explosion while making IEDs in his basement

Thu, 06/22/2017 - 10:45am

    LINCOLN — The State Fire Marshal's Office said Thursday morning that the man killed in an explosion Wednesday night, June 21, while mixing up explosives in his basement, in Lincoln was 67-year-old Robert Stuart. He was killed instantly about 7 p.m. at his home on Stanhope Mill Road.

    According to Maine Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland, late Wednesday night and early this morning, the State Police bomb team found five IEDs in Stuart’s basement and exploded them in his back yard, along with other bomb making material.

    Stuart's wife, Sarah, was home at the time of the explosion and called first responders. She reportedly told investigators that her husband told her he had been making the devices to blow up tree stumps.

    An autopsy on Stuart will take place at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Augusta.

    Investigators say they have called the FBI and the Federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to assist in the investigation by tracking down where and when he purchased the bomb making material.

    In addition to Fire Marshals investigators and State Police, the Lincoln Police and Fire departments responded. Investigators cleared the scene about 2:30 this morning.