Winnipeg, Manitoba – A Winnipeg man is currently hospitalized in Hawaii with severe burns and fractured bones following a suspected gas-barbecue explosion at a beachside condominium complex. Darren Stevenson, who sustained life-altering injuries, was initially in critical condition after the incident in Maui last Thursday.
Stevenson, who was in front of the grill at the time, was thrown about 30 feet in the air by the explosion while barbecuing dinner. His wife, Diane, had momentarily left to retrieve an item from their condo when the blast occurred, returning to a scene of chaos in the common area with multiple grills and patio tables.
Friends of the couple, Randy and Jackie Van de Mosselaer, had just finished vacationing with the Stevensons before the incident and were shocked by the news. They described Stevenson as a selfless individual who deeply cares for his wife, expressing remorse upon reuniting with her after the explosion.
The Maui Police Department indicated that the explosion at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach likely involved liquefied petroleum gas used as fuel for the barbecues. Initial reports suggested a grill malfunction might have triggered the blast, with authorities continuing their investigation in collaboration with fire officials.
Emergency responders at the scene provided crucial life-saving care to multiple victims, including Stevenson, who was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Oahu for intensive treatment. The 59-year-old CFO of Palliser Furniture has undergone several surgeries and faces a lengthy road to recovery, including additional procedures and rehabilitation.
Stevenson’s family, along with friends, have rallied support to cover medical expenses not accounted for by their travel insurance policy. A GoFundMe page has been established to aid in alleviating costs, particularly those associated with long-term medical care and accommodations in Hawaii.
The possibility of legal action looms as the investigation into the explosion continues. Witness accounts and videos of the incident have provided valuable insight, revealing the magnitude of the explosion and its impact on individuals in the vicinity.
The Stevensons had been enjoying a vacation in Maui before the tragic event occurred, with plans to return home to Winnipeg that have since been put on hold. The community has come together to offer assistance and support to the family during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.