Maine News Updates

SOUTH PORTLAND --The Long Creek Air Tragedy Memorial Committee has announced the winning bid for its monument design.

The memorial will stand on Westbrook Street across from the scene of the disaster of July 11, 1944, when a twin-engine light-attack bomber piloted by Army Air Corps Lt. Philip ''Phee'' Russell crashed into a trailer camp in the Long Creek area. An explosion leveled 18 trailers, and flames engulfed the area. Russell and 18 other people died, most of them young mothers and small children. Many others were left injured or homeless.

Situated on land donated by the City of South Portland, the memorial will include the names of those who died on one side and an engraving depicting a WWII pilot with boy and a girl, walking away into the clouds. A granite bench will be dedicated to the survivors of the disaster.

The monument will be made by the Millennium Granite Quarry and Stoneworks of Wells.

Fundraising efforts have begun. Donations may be sent to: South Portland City Hall, 25 Cottage Road, South Portland ME, 04106 Checks should be made out to the City of South Portland, c/o Long Creek/Redbank Tragedy.

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