The Office of State Fire Marshal continues to investigate a fatal explosion that occurred over the weekend at the Powder Horn Campground, Cascade Road in Old Orchard Beach.
From the Office of State Fire Marshal:
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 12:30 pm, a camper explosion was reported at the campground. Old Orchard Beach Fire and EMS responded and located two adult females with severe burn injuries. Both individuals were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where they died from their injuries on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The victims have been identified as 58-year-old Alesia Ventura-Large of Marlborough, Massachusetts and 58-year-old Nancy Pilsch of Leominster, Massachusetts. The investigation remains active, however, 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. In light of this tragedy, 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.
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