GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gastonia family was rushed to the hospital, after switching on the lights in their camper causing it to explode.
Investigators say the RV, located at a home on Ferrell Grove Avenue just north of McAdenville, was leaking propane from a hot water heater when it burst into pieces Monday night with just the flip of a light switch.
“The nature of propane, all it needs is an ignition source," Fire Division Chief Jesse Watts with Gaston County Emergency Management said. "When they entered the house, they provided that by turning on a light switch.”
The man and woman who were inside were both burned, according to Watts, with one of the victims thrown from the camper by the explosion. The woman was released Monday, while the man suffered second and third-degree burns to the head and face, investigators said. They're both expected to recover.
In addition to leaving the camper in pieces, the explosion also blew out windows and caused additional damage to the house on the property where the RV sits, investigators say.
"I was laying in the bed and my wife comes running in there where I was at," Ronnie Massie, who lives nearby, said. "She heard a big boom and I looked out the door and there were women and men all in the yard hollering and screaming. I mean, it was just unreal."
Tyler Chapman was also impacted. He said the explosion sounded like a "bomb going off" in the neighborhood.
"That’s 500 yards [away] and it still shook the foundation," Chapman said. "So, yes, it's scary."
When it comes to campers, it's important to make sure they're regularly maintained, following the guidelines for each particular model and checking appliances to make sure they're safe.
"So, your refrigerator, your water heater, your furnace, and your stove," Johnathan Mitchell, who owns RV Center of Gastonia, said. "Those are the main points that you'll want to check out to make sure there are no leaks. Also, you have your propane tank regulator and your tanks. Propane tank-wise, you want to make sure you have your tanks certified and checked every so often."
"If you smell an odor of gas, evacuate the home, or camper in this case, immediately," Watts said. "If possible, cut off the propane cylinders, get to a safe distance, and call 911."
After such a loud and damaging explosion, neighbors said they were glad to know the two people impacted are expected to be okay.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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