A Winnipeg man on vacation in Hawaii has an uncertain future after suspected gas explosion at a barbecue factory in Hawaii's waterfront resort, which left him with a fractured bone and a huge burn.
Darren Stevenson grilled at a resort in Maui Thursday at the time of the explosion, his friend Randy Van de Mosselaer (until the incident happened The day before) told Winnipeg Globally.
Van de Mosselaer said there are still many unknowns about his friend's condition, but said he looks like he is going to survive.
“He suffered from complex fractures on his upper body, his head, and his lower body, and about 15% of his body suffered burns,” he said.
Winnipeg man Darren Stevenson recovers at a Hawaii hospital after an explosion on vacation.
Randy Van de Mosselaer
According to hotel management and police in Maui, the explosion injured seven people, including Stevenson, and three of them were injured.
Van de Mosselaer said his friends were airlifted from Maui to Oaui, where he has been caring for since.
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“He is undergoing several surgeries and now, most importantly, he looks like he is going to survive.”
Police said the official cause is under investigation and witnesses pointed out “possible barbecue failure” before the explosion.
The resort is a whaler and has provided accommodation to Stevenson's wife for up to a week, but the medical procedures and rehabilitation he has to undergo are more likely to take months or more.
Friends and family have compiled a Gofundme to help cover the cost of medical and living expenses for Hawaii's long-term voice.
“It's absolutely terrible, they say life can change for a dime, and that's exactly what's happening,” Van de Mosselaer said.
“I don’t think Darren’s life will ever be the same, but with our hope, prayer and support, we want it to be as normal as possible.
Van de Mosselaer describes his friend as a selfless man, a stubborn fan of Winnipeg's Blue Bombers.
“He may be the number one bomber fan in the city – his family is just living for bombers,” he said.
“He always puts everyone else ahead of him. He gives, he gets involved in the community, and he has a big heart.”
– Documents with the Associated Press
& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
