Old Orchard Beach, ME – A weekend camping trip turned tragic when two Massachusetts women lost their lives following a devastating camper explosion at the Powder Horn Campground in Old Orchard Beach.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the popular campground on Cascade Road. Emergency crews from Old Orchard Beach Fire and EMS arrived quickly and discovered two women with critical burn injuries. Both were rushed to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Sadly, they succumbed to their injuries on Sunday.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Alesia Ventura-Large, 58, of Marlborough, Massachusetts
- Nancy Pilsch, 58, of Leominster, Massachusetts
According to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, a leak of liquid propane gas had built up inside and underneath the camper. Investigators believe the explosion occurred when one of the women lit a candle, unknowingly igniting the trapped gas.
The resulting fire was quickly extinguished, but the damage was done. The Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the Maine Solid Fuel Inspectors, is continuing its investigation, focusing on the camper’s propane system to determine the precise cause of the leak and whether any safety failures contributed to the explosion.
No additional injuries were reported, and authorities have not said if nearby campers were impacted. Officials at the Powder Horn Campground have not yet issued a public statement.
In the wake of the tragedy, safety experts are urging the public to:
- Have propane systems professionally inspected on a regular basis
- Avoid using open flames (including candles) inside campers or enclosed spaces
- Install and test gas detectors in RVs and campers to provide early warnings
As the community of Old Orchard Beach grieves alongside the families of Alesia Ventura-Large and Nancy Pilsch, the heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers associated with camping equipment and the critical importance of gas safety awareness.
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