The son of a Winnipeg man who was severely injured in a suspected fuel explosion at a beachside resort in Hawaii late final week says it’s a miracle his father is even alive.
Darren Stevenson was considered one of seven individuals wounded by an explosion within the grill space of The Whaler on Kaanapali Seaside in Maui on Thursday evening.
The Winnipegger — who frequently holidays within the U.S. state together with his spouse, Diane — was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Honolulu with extreme burns and fractures.
He’s not too long ago been moved from the hospital’s intensive care unit to the trauma ward, the place he stays.
Stevenson’s son, Brock, mentioned the final couple of days have been a “whirlwind” for the entire household.
“You hear of how bad the explosion was and you just sit there and really think … how he wasn’t harmed any worse than what he is?” he mentioned in an interview. “It was a miracle that he survived it at all.”
Police in Maui mentioned Friday two individuals in crucial situation had been taken to hospital in Oahu for remedy. They mentioned the individuals who had been injured had been between 18 and 74 years outdated.
Video of the realm shared on social media exhibits an explosion occurring outdoor close to a swimming pool, and particles was scattered close to the seashore.
Mathew Koziak, Stevenson’s son-in-law, mentioned the incident feels “pretty surreal.”
“We’re trying to keep it together as best as possible and just navigate everything as it comes to us,” he mentioned. “But understandably, it’s quite difficult when they’re located so far away, especially on a remote island.”
‘It’s like out of a film’
Maui police mentioned the reason for the explosion has not but formally been decided, however preliminary investigations counsel liquefied petroleum fuel — which provides barbecue grills within the resort’s frequent space — was concerned. They are saying witnesses urged there was a doable grill malfunction earlier than the incident.
The household mentioned Stevenson was barbecuing when the explosion occurred. His spouse was strolling again to their lodgings to seize one thing, and was not harm.
The resort mentioned in a press release to The Related Press it’s actively working with the fireplace division to research the incident, and that it’ll “share updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our owners, guests, and team members,” the assertion mentioned.
“It’s like out of a movie,” mentioned Randy Van de Mosselaer, a lifelong good friend of Darren’s.
Van de Mosselaer and his spouse had been vacationing with the couple, however flew again to Winnipeg previous to the incident. The Stevensons had been set to return to town a couple of days later, he mentioned.
“It’s going to be an intensive rehabilitation,” Van de Mosselaer mentioned. “They’re not sure how long the recovery will be, but we’re looking at like months to a year.”
Van de Mosselaer’s spouse has since gone again to Hawaii, together with Darren’s sister, to assist the couple.
Van de Mosselaer has began a GoFundMe to boost cash for his good friend, whom he’s recognized for 35 years as Blue Bombers season-ticket holders.
“At this point in time, we’re sort of taking things day by day,” he mentioned. “But it’ll be a joy to go to a Bomber game with him again, and I hope it’s in the very near future.”
Brock Stevenson mentioned he was capable of converse together with his dad briefly after surgical procedure on Monday, with some assist from his mother.
“My dad is … [a] selfless person who’s just his most genuine self,” he mentioned. “I think just the pouring in of support from people shows what type of character my dad really is.”
