Maui, Hawaii — A Canadian man vacationing in Hawaii sustained serious injuries following a gas explosion at a popular beachside resort last Thursday. Darren Stevenson of Winnipeg was critically wounded in the incident that occurred in the grill area of The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, according to his family.
Stevenson, who was on holiday with his wife, Diane, suffered severe burns and fractures and was airlifted to a hospital in Honolulu. Following emergency treatment, Stevenson was moved from the intensive care unit to the trauma ward, where he continues to receive medical care.
The explosion not only left Stevenson critically injured but also affected six other individuals, with injuries varying in severity. Maui police disclosed that two of the victims were in critical condition and needed urgent care in Oahu. Those injured ranged in age from 18 to 74 years.
Visuals shared on social media depicted a fiery blast near the resort’s swimming pool, with debris scattered across the nearby beach area. The cause of the explosion has not been definitively determined, but initial reports suggest it may have been linked to a leak or fault in the liquefied petroleum gas system used by the resort’s barbecue grills.
Brock Stevenson, Darren’s son, described the last few days as extremely trying for the family. “Considering the scale of the explosion, it’s astonishing and truly a miracle that my father survived,” he stated. “These have been some whirlwind days of shock and adjustment for us.”
The family reported that the incident occurred while Stevenson was using the barbecue grill. His wife had momentarily left the area to retrieve an item from their room and fortunately was not injured.
The resort has since issued a statement explaining that they are collaborating closely with the local fire department to investigate the explosion thoroughly. They emphasized that the safety and well-being of their guests and staff are their foremost concern.
Randy Van de Mosselaer, a close friend of Stevenson, was vacationing with the couple but had returned to Winnipeg before the incident. Shocked by the event, he remarked, “It’s like something out of a movie.” Van de Mosselaer highlighted that Stevenson faces a long road to recovery, which could extend from several months to a year.
In response to Stevenson’s needs, Van de Mosselaer has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical and recovery expenses. He expressed hope for Stevenson’s recovery, looking forward to enjoying football games together in the future.
Reflecting on the overwhelming support from friends and the community, Brock Stevenson shared, “The outpour of sympathy and help shows the kind of person my dad is – genuinely selfless and kind.”
As Stevenson’s family navigates this challenging time, their focus remains on his recovery and the forthcoming steps in his rehabilitation process, drawing strength from the support of their loved ones and community.