A massive explosion rocked a grill area at a resort in Maui, Hawaii, leaving seven people injured and debris scattered across a beach.
At least three people are in critical condition following the blast at The Whaler resort on Ka’anapali Beach on Thursday night, with victims ranging in age from 18 to 74, according to Hawaii News Now.
“We were swimming down at the pool at the Sheraton and suddenly there was this huge, earth-shaking boom,” witness David Flint told the station.
A photo taken at the scene showed locals surveying the damage in the grill area. Some resort guests could be seen leaning over balconies to get a view of the destruction.
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The location where the explosion happened is just steps away from a walking path that leads to Whaler Village, a shopping and dining destination for many nearby resort guests.
“At this time, no evacuations are being conducted,” the Maui Police Department said in a Facebook post, describing the explosion as a “miscellaneous accident.”
“We ask the public to avoid the area while first responders work the investigation,” it added.
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The Maui County Fire Department also said first responders were “on the scene of the explosion in Kaanapali and are caring for the victims” and that “There is no additional threat.”
Investigators put up yellow flags on the beach to mark debris that was sent flying from the grill area, Hawaii News Now reported, noting that witnesses described a possible grill malfunction leading up to the explosion.
The Whaler resort says on its website that “Our luxurious condominium-style accommodations are just steps from the pristine sands and provide access to premier resort amenities and services, all infused with the heartfelt warmth of aloha.”
“Grill out in paradise at one of our granite-topped BBQ areas,” it added.
Fox News’ Melissa Summers contributed to this report.
