Maine Officials Identify 2 Women Killed in Camper Explosion

Maine officials identify two Massachusetts women killed in an Old Orchard Beach camper explosion.

Maine Camper Explosion Kills Two Women from Massachusetts

The women have been identified as:

• Alessia Ventura-Large, 58, of Marlborough, Massachusetts.
• Nancy Pilsch, 58, of Leominster, Massachusetts.

Both women suffered severe burn injuries and were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where they both died of their injuries on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Maine Fire Marshal's Office Says a Gas Leak Was Ignited When Women Lit a Candle

Old Orchard Beach Fire and EMS were called to the Powder Horn Campground on Cascade Road at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, for a report of a camper explosion. When first responders arrived, they found the two women severely burned.

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The fire was quickly extinguished and the women were taken to the hospital.

An initial investigation suggests 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.

Maine Fire Marshal Urges Residents to Install Gas Detectors

The State Fire Marshal's Office is urging the public to consider installing gas detectors in any living space where propane or natural gas appliances are used. These detectors can alert the occupants to dangerous gas buildup and provide valuable time to evacuate or take safety precautions.

This investigation is ongoing and authorities say will include further analysis of the gas systems with assistance from the Maine Solid Fuel Inspectors.

We'll update this story as more details become available.