OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Two Massachusetts women died following a camper explosion at a local campground over the weekend, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The explosion occurred Saturday at approximately 12:30 p.m. at the Powder Horn Campground, located at 48 Cascade Road.
Old Orchard Beach Fire and EMS responded and found two adult females with severe burn injuries.
Both women were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where they died Sunday from their injuries.
The victims have been identified as 58-year-old Alesia Ventura-Large of Marlborough, Massachusetts and 58-year-old Nancy Pilsch of Leominster, Massachusetts.
Initial findings indicate that LP 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 Fire Marshal’s Office urges the public to consider installing gas detectors in any living space where propane or natural gas appliances are used.
These detectors can alert occupants to dangerous gas buildup and provide valuable time to evacuate or take safety precautions.
The investigation will include further analysis of the gas systems with assistance from the Maine Solid Fuel Inspectors.
