Family of Winnipeg man hurt in Hawaii resort explosion says it’s a ‘miracle’ he’s still alive

The recent gas explosion at a beachside resort in Hawaii that left seven people injured, including Darren Stevenson from Winnipeg, has left his family in shock. Stevenson, who was vacationing with his wife Diane, was severely injured in the explosion at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach in Maui. Despite suffering from severe burns and fractures, Stevenson miraculously survived the incident and has been moved from the intensive care unit to the trauma ward at a hospital in Honolulu.

According to Stevenson’s son, Brock, the family has been reeling from the events of the past few days. “It was a miracle that he survived it at all,” Brock said in an interview. The explosion, which was believed to be caused by a liquefied petroleum gas malfunction in the grill area of the resort, has left the family and friends of Stevenson in disbelief.

Maui police are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but preliminary reports suggest a possible grill malfunction. Video footage of the incident shows debris scattered near the beach, with witnesses recounting the terrifying experience of the explosion happening near a swimming pool.

Stevenson’s son-in-law, Mathew Koziak, described the incident as “surreal” and expressed the difficulty of navigating the situation while being so far away from their loved ones. The family revealed that Stevenson was barbecuing when the explosion occurred, while his wife had fortunately walked back to their lodgings and escaped unharmed.

Close friend Randy Van de Mosselaer, who has known Stevenson for 35 years as Blue Bombers season-ticket holders, described the situation as “like out of a movie.” Van de Mosselaer has since started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Stevenson’s intensive rehabilitation, which is expected to last for months to a year.

Despite the challenging road to recovery ahead, the Stevenson family remains grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and well-wishers. Brock Stevenson shared that his dad is a selfless and genuine person, and the support they have received is a testament to his character. As they take things day by day, the family looks forward to the day when they can once again enjoy a Blue Bombers game with Darren Stevenson.