The Maine Fire Marshal reports it continues to investigate a fatal explosion over the weekend at the Powder Horn Campground in Old Orchard Beach.
On July 26, 2025, a camper explosion was reported at the campground. Old Orchard Beach fire and emergency medical teams responded and found two women with severe burn injuries. Both women were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where they died from their injuries the next day.
The victims have been identified as Alesia Ventura-Large and Nancy Pilsch, both of Massachusetts.
The investigation remains active, however, initial findings indicate that liquified petroleum gas had been leaking into and beneath the park model camper. The gas is believed to have ignited when one of the women lit a candle, triggering the explosion. The investigation will include further analysis of the gas systems.
In light of this tragedy, the fire marshal is urging the public to consider installing gas detectors in any living space where propane or natural gas appliances are used.
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