Marcellus, MI – A propane explosion at Melville Seven Lakes Campground in Marcellus, Michigan sent a wife to Bronson Hospital via Air Care and a husband by ambulance on Sunday afternoon.
Judy Willard, a member and groundsmanager with the campground, said she was sitting on her deck when she heard an explosion. She and her husband, Gary, jumped to action to try and assist with the chaos.
“Just as I got to the door, they were coming out. They did have a fire extinguisher and were trying to extinguish the fire. Smoke was coming out of the camper,” Judy said.
Locals at the campground, including the Willards and other neighbors, took hoses and started spraying inside the camper to try and extinguish the blaze. Judy said she hopped on the phone with dispatch and began to follow directions closely in an effort to calm the situation prior to arrival of first responders.
“All of the campers all around the area jumped in to try and rescue the dog in the tub and also put out the fire and tried to make sure the couple calmed down as much as they could,” Judy said.
Although the experience was traumatic for the individuals involved, and both victims suffered burns throughout their bodies, they were conscious, aware and were able to walk and speak after the situation calmed.
The wife, who is also legally blind, suffered the worst burns of the two and had to be airlifted to Bronson Hospital. The husband suffered from burns as well, but was transported via ambulance
Gary Willard says he was aware the victims were working on their propane stove nearly three weeks ago, which could have been a cause of the explosion.
“Apparently he had forgotten to hook something back up and that’s how the gas escaped. When they turned the stove on and lit the stove, that’s when it blew,” Gary said.
Judy Willard said she’s thankful to be a part of a camping community that will jump into any incident that requires assisting their fellow neighbors.
“No matter what, it seems there’s always somebody here to help out,” Judy said. “We’ve got good campers, they are fun campers and enjoy the campground, but they are always there if you need them.”