Man killed in welding explosion in Rockport

ROCKPORT, Maine – A man was killed Friday afternoon in Rockport when an explosion occurred while welding.

At around 2:50 p.m., fire and rescue crews responded to a report of an explosion at Rockport Steel, according to a news release from the state fire protection office.

Investigators from the state fire protection bureau arrived at the scene and found that 39-year-old Sean Rancourt was welding on a diesel tank when it exploded, the news release said.

The explosion left Rancourt with life-threatening injuries. According to officials, Rancourt was treated at the scene by local emergency services, but he did not survive.

His body was taken to the state medical examiner’s office in Augusta, where an autopsy will be performed, the press release said.

The Rockport Fire Department, Rockport Police Department, Camden Police Department and Northeast Ambulance Service responded.

Rockport Steel is located at 17 Rockville Street.

Download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app to get the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts.