Two Massachusetts Women Killed in Camper Explosion at Old Orchard Beach

Two Massachusetts Women Killed in Camper Explosion at Old Orchard Beach

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — A devastating camper explosion claimed the lives of two women from Massachusetts over the weekend, leaving a tight-knit community grappling with grief and grief-stricken questions.

The Incident

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., firefighters and EMS from Old Orchard Beach responded to an emergency at Powder Horn Family Camping Resort. They found a camper had exploded, severely burning two women inside. The victims, identified as Alesia Ventura‑Large, 58, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Nancy Pilsch, 57, of Leominster, Massachusetts, were still conscious and breathing when found, and reported a strong garlic‑like odor inside the camper

They were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, but tragically succumbed to their injuries the following day, Sunday, July 27

What Happened — Propane Leak Suspected

Investigators from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal believe the explosion was triggered when one of the women lit a candle, igniting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that had leaked into and beneath the camper . Emergency responders observed a stove burner knob turned to the “on” position inside

Officials say the leak could have resulted from either a burner left open or a failure in the propane hookup system. The camper was attached to a fixed external LPG tank, common among seasonal park-model campers at Powder Horn

Further testing—including pressure tests on the tank—is underway to determine whether mechanical failure or human error was to blame

The Victims

Alesia Ventura‑Large and Nancy Pilsch are described as longtime friends. Ventura‑Large owned the camper along with a family member, according to Fire Marshal Shawn Esler at a press briefing

Ventura‑Large’s husband, John Large, shared a touching memory of his wife via Facebook, writing that she “literally brought light into everyone and everything” and expressing appreciation for privacy during this difficult time

At the Campground

The explosion occurred in the Pine Grove section of Powder Horn Family Camping Resort, a seasonal camping community that allows fixed propane tanks attached to park model campers. Owned by the same family since 1970, Powder Horn serves both short-term and long-term seasonal campers and offers recreational facilities including pools, mini‑golf, and a store

Witnesses staying nearby said they didn’t hear the explosion but returned to find large flames and billows of smoke emanating from the site

Safety, Regulations, and Investigation

Old Orchard Beach limits campground operating season to April 1 through October 31, and campground licenses are renewed only after approval by multiple town inspectors. However, individual campsites and their gas hookups are not routinely inspected unless a complaint is filed, Old Orchard Beach Fire Chief John Gilboy stated

The State Fire Marshal’s Office continues its investigation, supported by the Maine Solid Fuel Inspectors, focusing on the gas equipment involved

A Warning in Tragedy

Officials are urging anyone using propane or natural gas in campers or living spaces to install gas detectors, which detect dangerous levels of gas—often before residents notice a scent—or a “rotten egg” odor indicating a leak. The camper appeared to have a smoke detector but no gas detector was found

Though fewer than 15 percent of Maine households rely on propane, past incidents involving explosions have resulted in severe injury or death, reinforcing ongoing concerns around propane safety

Summary

• Two women from Massachusetts died after their camper exploded at Powder Horn Family Camping Resort on July 26, 2025.

• Investigators believe a propane leak—possibly ignited by lighting a candle—caused the blast that claimed their lives the following day.

• The incident highlights gaps in campsite propane safety regulation and underscores the value of gas detection systems in preventing tragedies.

Our thoughts are with the families of Alesia Ventura‑Large and Nancy Pilsch during this heartbreaking time.