A man and a woman in their 60s were hurt in a massive propane explosion that was heard up to 10 miles away and ripped their camper to pieces.
April 29--LEBANON, Maine -- Fire and rescue crews were called to Salmon Falls River Camping Resort early Saturday morning after propane leak lead to an explosion, causing two individuals to suffer severe injuries.
At about 7:45 a.m., emergency responders were called to the campground located at 44 Natural High Rd. where they discovered a camping trailer fully engulfed in flames. As the fire appeared to have the potential to spread, personnel from three other communities were called, including South Berwick, Alfred and Rochester, N.H.
According to a press release, a male and a female were occupying the camper when the propane explosion happened, throwing both of them from the unit.
The female occupant, who is reported to be in her 60s, was transported by ambulance to Skydive New England to be taken by a Lifeflight of Maine helicopter. The male occupant, also said to be in his 60s, was brought by ambulance to Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
"The female was initially transported to Maine Medical Center, but may be further transported to a burn center in Boston," reads the press release.
Several camping units sustained damaged from the explosion, including shattered windows. It is reported that campers roughly 350 feet away from the scene had windows and doors blown open as a result of the explosion, and that residents from New Hampshire as far as 10 miles away contacted emergency officials to report feeling and hearing a large explosion.
The Salmon Falls River Family Camping Resort has approximately 200 camping lots as well as several recreational facilities, reads the press release.
"Fortunately the campground was not as full as it normally would be once open, or else there could have been many more injuries," said Assistant Chief Jason Cole in a press release. "The staff at the campground did an amazing job assisting us and keeping other people at the campground safe by keeping them back during the incident."
The early morning explosion is still under investigation by the Maine Fire Marshal's Office.
Lebanon Fire Chief Dan Roy could not be reached for comment.
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