A huge explosion rocked a Hawaiian beach resort on Thursday, injuring several people in the process.
The incident happened at The Whaler Resort on Ka’anapali Beach, with authorities believing a gas canister at the BBQ area was responsible for the blast.
Footage captured at the four-star resort showed the grilling area right beside the picturesque beach going up in smoke, with debris bursting out in a plume over the sand.
Those enjoying the last hours of sunshine on the beach could be see running in terror from the explosion.
Maui Memorial Medical Center confirmed on Friday that nine people had been treated for their injuries, with two being flown to Oahu for treatment.
At least three had been critical but are now in a stable condition, officials said. The remaining four have been released.
Police on Maui had originally said that seven people had been injured, with their ages ranging from 18 to 74.
Preliminary investigations point to the explosion coming from a liquefied petroleum gas, common in BBQ areas, authorities said.
Footage captured at the four star resort show a grill area right beside the picturesque beach going up in smoke
At least nine people were injured in the blast, with those nearby likening it to the sound of a bomb
Maui Memorial Medical Center confirmed on Friday that nine people had been treated for their injuries, with two being flown to Oahu for treatment
The Maui Fire Department said that multiple grills in the BBQ area were being fed by a single large tank on the property.
Cindy Johnson told Hawaii News Now: “It was like an explosion, so everybody in both towers heard and went running down there thinking it was a bomb.
‘They realized when they saw the police starting to arrive and the medics, the ambulances that something happened right there at the barbecue area.
‘I just feel incredibly sad that people are just having a normal evening barbecuing, enjoying their family and friends, and this explosion happened. I can’t comprehend.’
Gino Chiodo told KHON2: ‘I could almost feel the vibrations coming through the sand.
‘Instantly, I knew it was a gas explosion and then the next thing you know there are helicopters, sirens, and we knew something serious had happened.’
Another man who saw the blast said the whole building started to shake, according to the outlet.
In a statement, the hotel said: ‘The incident tragically resulted in injuries to seven persons according to the Maui Police Department.
Preliminary investigations point to the explosion coming from a liquefied petroleum gas, common in BBQ areas, authorities said
The Maui Fire Department said that multiple grills in the BBQ area were being fed by a single large tank on the property
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those injured in this tragic event.
‘The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by local authorities. We are cooperating with the investigators and support personnel.
‘Our primary focus at this time is to provide support to the affected families, our guests, and our employees.
‘We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities in their investigation. We are also conducting our own investigation to understand the cause of the explosion and to ensure that such an incident does not occur again in the future.
‘We deeply regret this incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who suffered injuries and their families. We are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time.’
