Alesia Ventura-Large, Nancy Pilsch Obituary, Death Cause – Two women from Massachusetts tragically lost their lives after a camper exploded at a campground in Maine over the weekend. The incident occurred at the Powderhorn Family Camping Resort in Old Orchard Beach around 12:30 p.m. Emergency responders, including firefighters and EMS, arrived to find the camper destroyed and both women severely burned outside the trailer.
The victims were identified as 58-year-old Alesia Ventura-Large of Marlborough and her friend, Nancy Pilsch of Leominster. According to reports, Ventura-Large had invited Pilsch to the campground to celebrate her 58th birthday. Sadly, the celebration turned fatal.
Old Orchard Beach Fire Department Chief John Gilboy stated that when crews arrived, they found the trailer engulfed in flames and the two women suffering from serious burn injuries. Both were transported to the Maine Medical Center in Portland, a Level 1 trauma facility, but unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries.
Investigators from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and inspectors from the Maine Fuel Board were called to the scene to determine the cause of the explosion. Preliminary findings suggest that a leak of liquid propane gas both inside and beneath the camper may have ignited when one of the women lit a candle. Officials also noted that one of the stove’s oven knobs was turned to the “on” position. However, a definitive cause has not yet been confirmed, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Chief Gilboy expressed his condolences, calling the incident a heartbreaking tragedy. “It is a tragedy and our heart goes out to the family from the fire department here. Just our prayers and sympathy to such a tragedy,” he told local news outlet WCVB.
The families and friends of the victims are devastated by the loss. Ventura-Large’s husband described her as “absolutely incredible and amazing,” highlighting the deep grief felt by those who knew her. Steve Bercovitz, a neighbor of Pilsch, shared his sorrow, saying, “We’ve known her for twenty-something years so it’s a tough loss.”
Authorities believe that a leak of liquefied petroleum gas was likely the primary factor leading to the deadly explosion. In light of this incident, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding the public of the importance of safety precautions when using gas-powered appliances in campers and other enclosed spaces. They strongly recommend installing gas detectors in any areas where propane or natural gas is used to help prevent similar tragedies.
The deadly incident remains under investigation as officials work to determine exactly what went wrong. For now, a somber community is mourning the loss of two women whose trip to celebrate a birthday ended in a heartbreaking disaster.
