PORTLAND, Maine — After a lot of unknowns during the past few days, Jessica Borelli is finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Over the weekend, her son Oliver and his friend and coworker Timmy Elliot were setting up the George's North Shore food truck at an event in Gorham last weekend. The truck is operated by employees who also work at George & Leon's in Westbrook.
Jessica said on Thursday that the two were in the process of setting up the truck when it combusted and the two men were badly burned. When they were able to get out of the truck, she added off-duty first responders, nurses, and even total strangers rushed in to help.
"Whoever was there, I don’t know them personally, but I know that they were incredible, and I think they probably saved them some very long-term recovery time," Jessica added.
The owner of the restaurant and food truck, Logan Abbey, wasn't able to give specific details about the incident but said it was a "terrible accident."
"We’re just banding together, we’re trying everything we can to stay positive, and work our asses off and just get through this," he said.
Borelli and Elliot have been receiving care and treatment at Maine Medical Center ever since the accident. Jessica said the two will spend more time in the hospital before beginning rehab. While their recovery time is still unknown, she added the medical team has given her family a sense of comfort.
Oliver, she said, is "shockingly positive," which she was not surprised by considering his personality.
"Both of them, they’re just unbelievable, loveable humans, honestly," she added.
Abbey created a GoFundMe to raise money to assist his employees, which has raised more than $15k as of Thursday afternoon. He said the business will also donate a portion of proceeds from an event this Saturday at the restaurant.
"We love them dearly like family, and we can’t thank the community enough for their support," Abbey said. “They’re my two guys, they’ve been with me since pretty much the beginning."
Jessica noted the two have been a part of Portland's restaurant and music industry for years and the support pouring in from that community, their employer, and from strangers has been overwhelming.
"And it helps their hearts, massively. Every day they’re like look at the people [donating], so it’s pretty great," she added.
While there is still a long journey ahead, Jessica noted the family is settling into their routine and their feelings of grief have now turned into a sense of hope.