An investigation is underway in Maui after a mysterious blast rocked a beach resort on Thursday night, causing injuries to more than half a dozen individuals, with some requiring hospitalization. According to details provided by the Maui Police Department, the explosion occurred shortly before 6:15 p.m. (HST) at a group of condominiums situated on Kaanapali Beach, located on the northwestern part of the Hawaiian island.
Law enforcement officers were dispatched to The Whaler Resort on Kāʻanapali Parkway following a report of an incident described as a “miscellaneous accident,” as announced on the department’s social media platform. The beach resort is approximately a 40-minute drive from Kahului, the capital of the island.
The authorities informed that no evacuations were carried out, and in a press release, it was indicated that the explosion possibly involved liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used for communal BBQs, as per reports by KHON2-TV. Eyewitness testimonies pointed towards a potential malfunction of a grill leading up to the incident.
As per local reports from Hawaii News Now, seven individuals between the ages of 18 and 74 sustained injuries, with three in critical condition. One person had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The public has been urged to steer clear of the area while investigations are ongoing.
Images captured by Hawaii News Now depict first responders and bystanders assisting the victims in the vicinity of the beach. USA TODAY has reached out to the Maui police and fire departments for further information.
This article, penned by Natalie Neysa Alund, a senior reporter for USA TODAY, will be updated with any new developments. For more updates, reach out to nalund@usatoday.com or follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
