Seven people were injured in a tragic accident when a gas barbecue exploded on a beautiful Hawaiian island. The explosion happened at around 6:15 p.m. at a condominium on Kaanapali Parkway in Maui. Witnesses described the blast as sounding like a “bomb going off,” while others thought they had felt an earthquake. The explosion sent smoke and debris flying across the beach, as captured by a CCTV camera overlooking the Kaanapali beachfront.
The Maui Fire Department and Maui Police Department responded quickly to the scene. Officials confirmed that the explosion happened near the pool area of The Whaler condominium, which offers rental properties. The injured victims ranged in age from 18 to 74, with three of them in critical condition. One of the critically injured victims was airlifted to Maui Memorial Medical Center for emergency treatment.
According to the Maui Police Department, early investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is commonly used for outdoor grills. Witnesses reported that the barbecue grill may have malfunctioned before the explosion.
Social media users who witnessed the scene shared their shock and concern. One person on Reddit described the injuries as “gory,” saying they had seen victims with shrapnel wounds. A medical trauma doctor at the scene helped treat the injured before first responders arrived. Another witness wrote that the explosion “shook their entire room” and that they saw several injured people being treated by emergency personnel.
One witness, staying at The Whaler, recalled how they had passed through the grill area just 40 minutes before the explosion. Another Reddit user working nearby at the Outrigger Hotel described hearing the explosion and seeing people running toward the scene. Many expressed their sadness and concern for those injured.
Lyndsay Bourcellot, another witness, was having dinner at Monkey Pod restaurant when the explosion occurred. “We heard a loud noise, and it almost shook. We thought it might have been an earthquake,” she said. The entire restaurant fell silent as people tried to figure out what had happened.
Emergency crews, including fire trucks and ambulances, worked at the scene to secure the area and assist the victims. Officials are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and ensure the safety of the area. The tragic incident has left many in shock, and the community is hoping for the recovery of those injured.
