Two Women Killed in Old Orchard Beach, Maine Camper Explosion

A devastating explosion at a popular southern Maine campground has claimed the lives of two women from Massachusetts.

According to a press release from the Maine State Police, it happened just after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the Powder Horn Campground on Cascade Road in Old Orchard Beach. According to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, a camper at the site suddenly exploded, prompting a quick response from Old Orchard Beach Fire and EMS crews.

First responders arrived to find two women suffering from severe burn injuries. Both were rushed to Maine Medical Center in Portland, but sadly, they passed away from their injuries on Sunday.

The victims have been identified as 58-year-old Alesia Ventura-Large of Marlborough and 58-year-old Nancy Pilsch of Leominster.

Investigators believe that a leak in the LP gas system led to a buildup of propane inside and underneath the camper. The explosion is thought to have been triggered when one of the women lit a candle inside.

While the investigation is still active, the Fire Marshal’s Office is urging the public to take precautions when using propane or natural gas in campers or any living space. They're specifically recommending the use of gas detectors, which can provide an early warning if there’s a dangerous buildup of gas — giving people a chance to get out safely.

Officials will continue to investigate with help from the Maine Solid Fuel Inspectors to better understand exactly what happened.

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