Seven people have been injured, three critically, after a suspected gas explosion at a popular beach resort in Hawaii, according to police and video footage.
The injured range in age from 18 to 74, police said, following Thursday night’s blast in a barbeque grill area at The Whaler.
The explosion left a pile of debris at the resort in Kaanapali Beach, a popular tourist area near Lahaina, which almost completely burned in a deadly wildfire in 2023.
No one was forced to leave the area because of the blast, the Maui Police Department said.
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Its early investigations pointed to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), used in barbecue grills in the resort’s common area, being involved in the explosion, the force said.
Video of the area shared on social media shows an explosion happening outdoors near a swimming pool, scattering debris near the beach.
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The Whaler said the blast happened at its Tower One barbecue area and it is “actively working with the fire department to investigate the situation”.
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our owners, guests, and team members,” it said.
Police said the official cause is under investigation, and witnesses had indicated “a possible grill malfunction” before the explosion.
