A birthday trip ended in tragedy after a camper exploded at a Maine campground, killing two women from Massachusetts.
The incident occurred just after noon on Saturday, July 26, at the Powder Horn Campground in Old Orchard Beach. According to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, the explosion was likely caused by leaking propane gas that ignited when one of the women lit a candle to cover up a strange odor inside the camper.
The victims have been identified as Alesia Ventura-Large, 58, of Marlborough, and Nancy Pilsch, 57, of Leominster. Ventura-Large’s husband told local media the pair had traveled to Maine to celebrate Pilsch’s upcoming 58th birthday.
First responders arrived to find both women suffering from severe burns. They were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where they succumbed to their injuries the next day.
Investigators believe propane gas had accumulated in and beneath the camper, possibly due to a stove left on. A knob on the appliance was reportedly found in the “on” position. Neither woman was aware of the leak at the time.
Officials say the women mentioned a “garlic-like smell” in the camper and lit a candle in an attempt to mask it — a decision that likely triggered the blast.
The camper did not have a gas detector installed, fire officials confirmed.
Ventura-Large’s husband, John Large, a priest, mourned the loss of his wife in a heartfelt tribute. “Alesia, you are a light shining brightly in the night sky,” he said. “You lit up every room you walked into — and you lit up my life.”
The Powder Horn Family Camping Resort acknowledged the tragedy in a public statement posted Monday. “A great tragedy has befallen our Powder Horn community,” the message read. “Sadly, the two guests involved have succumbed to their injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate.
