Two Massachusetts women have died of their injuries after a camper exploded over the weekend in Old Orchard Beach.
The explosion was reported around 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Powder Horn Campground, killing 58-year-old Alesia Ventura-Large of Marlborough, Massachusetts and 58-year-old Nancy Pilsch of Leominster, Massachusetts.
Both women died Sunday after being taken to Maine Medical Center with severe burns.
Officials say a preliminary investigation indicated that liquid petroleum gas may have leaked into and beneath the camper and was ignited when one of the women lit a candle.
The investigation is still ongoing.
In light of the incident, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging the public to consider installing gas detectors in any living area where propane or natural gas appliances are in use.
