Couple escapes exploding camper.

Couple escapes exploding camper.

#MasonCountyNews

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP — An Illinois couple staying on a private campsite barely escaped their camper after it exploded early Wednesday evening, according to Fountain Area Fire Chief Roger Berndt. The camper was one of three campers located on a wooded lot in the 3100 block of North Taylor Road between Sugar Grove and Dewey roads.

“They were in their camper and heard an explosion,” Berndt said. “The next thing they knew, it was on fire. The woman had first degree burns on her face and arms, and her hair was fringed.” The woman was transported by ambulance to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, Berndt said, and her husband went along with her.

“They lost everything they had with them, all the keys to the other campers, their car keys, his wallet.” Berndt said the fire was extinguished by firefighters quickly when they arrived on scene.

Berndt said the man was able to disconnect a 250 pound propane tank, though.

Responding to the scene were Fountain Area Fire Department, Branch Township Fire Department, Life EMS, and Michigan State Police, which was investigating. Custer Fire Department was initially dispatched but was placed on standby. American Red Cross was called to assist the couple.

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