The RVer injured when her motorhome exploded at a Pennsylvania Turnpike rest area last month has died. Melinda VanNewkirk, who was 68, of Milton, Delaware, died in the early morning hours on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Motorhome exploded following gas leak
Melinda and her husband were traveling to visit relatives in New Mexico last November 19. The couple had pulled over at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza to sleep. Early in the morning, Melinda had awakened, and not aware the motorhome was filled with propane gas, lit a cigarette. The results were devastating, completely destroying the family’s motorhome and towed vehicle, as well as damaging nearby commercial vehicles.
Melinda was taken to a nearby hospital, and was later transferred to another facility. She regained consciousness Thanksgiving, but finally succumbed to her injuries, listed as “complications from burns covering 35% to 37% of her body” by the coroner.
Melinda’s husband Duane VanNewkirk and her daughter Claire Greenlee have been close by ever since the accident. A GoFundMe account was set up to help the family with expenses. As of this morning, $14,730 had been raised of the $15,000 goal that had been set.
The thoughts of the RVtravel.com family are with Melinda’s family in this terrible time.
RELATED
Follow-up: PA Turnpike RV explosion victim fights for life
##RVT1188b
This is indeed a sad story! If you smoke – Stop! Don’t use portable propane heaters inside an Rv and don’t leave electric heaters unattended – ever! Sad lesson to learn the hard way!
Such a very sad ending to what should have been a very preventable accident..our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Not to be mean, but they have said for YEARS, smoking is bad for your health. So easily preventable
a bit harsh…it sounds like the propane detector was not functioning
It’s odd she didn’t smell the propane. God bless her in heaven.
Wow.
Not to be mean but do you think if she was lighting a candle or stove instead of a cigarette, it wouldn’t have happened?
Praying for her family as they go through the holidays with such a tragic loss!
First hit when searching for RV Propane detector expiration date: “For ongoing safety, it is advisable to change the device every five years. Note that the 5-year life cycle starts only when the unit is connected to a 12V DC power source, so the manufacturing date is not a factor in determining when a replacement is due”
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Very sad ending to this tragic story. 🙁 I, too, pray for her family. Safe travels!