Several injured in explosion at Hawaiian resort

MAUI COUNTY, Hawaii (KHNL/Gray News) - First responders treated several people following an explosion at a West Maui resort Thursday evening.

Authorities said they responded to a reported explosion at around 6:15 p.m. at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, located at 2481 Kaanapali Parkway.

A webcam caught the explosion on video that showed debris shooting from the building.

Bystanders with medical and first responder backgrounds assisted police until medics and firefighters arrived.

Maui police said seven people, ranging in age from 18 to 74 years old, were hurt. Three suffered critical injuries and one was flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center’s emergency room.

“We were swimming down at the pool at the Sheraton and suddenly there was this huge boom,” witness David Flint said. “You can tell it wasn’t like a firework or something somebody planned.”

Debris was scattered all along the beach late into the night, and investigators put up yellow flags to mark the area.

“We know it’s a real crowded area and it was pretty scary. It was definitely surreal,” Flint said.

Authorities said a preliminary investigation suggested that the explosion may have involved liquefied petroleum gas, which supplies common area barbeques.

Witness statements also indicated a possible grill malfunction before the explosion.

The official cause remains undetermined and remains an active investigation.

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