BBQ explosion in Maui injures 7 — Witnesses describe 'bomb-like' blast

An explosion in a gas barbecue at West Maui's Kaanapali Beach left seven people injured on Thursday. Three were reported seriously hurt after the LPG device detonated. The blast was reported around 6:15 p.m. at a condominium on Kaanapali Parkway in the Hawaiian Islands.

According to The Mirror, witnesses near the spot said that the explosion sounded like a bomb. Some of them felt an earthquake-like jolt. CCTV footage of the incident shows smoke and debris flying across the sand at the resort located at 2481 Kaanapali Parkway.

Locals were the first to provide immediate medical assistance. Later, police with paramedics and firefighters reached the site to tackle the situation. Debris was scattered along the beach. Investigators paced yellow flags to mark them.

Witnesses share the horrific experience

Witnesses to the blast flooded social media with their experience of the scene. One person, who said they saw several individuals with cortical wounds. He added that while the injuries were severe, all the victims were conscious.

According to the Maui Fire Department, the explosion occurred near the pool area of The Whaler condominium, which offers rental properties. They reported that the injured individuals aged between 18 to 74. One victim was admitted to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room.

Responding to the incident, the Maui Fire Department stated, "Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may have involved LPG. Witness statements indicate a possible malfunction."

Police said that no evacuations were necessary after the blast.

Firework explosion kills three in Honolulu

Earlier on January 1, a firework explosion killed at least three people in a residential neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii. According to Al Jazeera, two died on the scene. The blast occurred after midnight, leaving 20 injured. The explosion occurred near a joint base for the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that fireworks caused eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries in 2023.