Follow-up: PA Turnpike RV explosion victim fights for life

A couple of weeks back we reported on the case of an RV explosion on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Someone inside a parked motorhome lit a cigarette, only to find there was a propane gas leak in the rig. The results were catastrophic, but at the time, there was little information about the people affected. Now we know, and the motorhome explosion situation is truly heart-wrenching.

RVing family devastated by motorhome explosion

Duane and Melinda VanNewkirk are apparently full-time RVers, and were headed to visit kinfolk in New Mexico for the holidays. They’d pulled over at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza early on November 19. One of them lit a cigarette, and the resulting blast completely demolished the motorhome and their towed Jeep.

The couple’s son fills in the details that weren’t available when we first published. Ryan VanNewkirk told a Pennsylvania news outlet the rest of the story. Immediately after the fateful explosion, “My dad said he pulls the blanket off of his head and there’s my mom just standing there nothing around her—she’s the only thing left.” One can only imagine the confusion and fear that followed.

While Duane suffered a few cuts, Melinda was not so fortunate. She was hospitalized and didn’t regain consciousness until Thanksgiving. Upon admission, doctors found her severely burned, with injuries covering most of her body, and they put her on a ventilator. By coincidence, Melinda’s daughter, Claire Greenlee who is a traveling nurse, was on assignment at the very hospital where Melinda was admitted. She’s been at her mother’s side ever since.

What does the future hold?

The VanNewkirk’s children are naturally concerned about Melinda’s condition. But they also worry about what will happen when she recovers. The motorhome explosion took away everything they owned—their home, and their transportation. To be near his wife, Duane is staying in a nearby motel. However, despite the discounted rate—thanks to an agreement between the motel and hospital—the bills are still taking their toll on him.

When interviewed, Ryan spoke of a conversation he had with his dad. “I asked him what he needed most. He said number one—he needs prayer for my mom and for him, and number two—he needs to stay in a hotel that’s close to her because they live hours away—and he doesn’t have a vehicle—he was towing the vehicle that he had.” A GoFundMe page has been set up to help. With a $15,000 goal, about half the amount was raised as of Tuesday morning.

“Call your momma”

In our original story, we commented on the need for all RVers to have—and check the status of—an LP gas detector. But Ryan poignantly adds something else we should all do. Be in touch with our loved ones.

“How important it is to tell each other that we love each other and see each other as often as possible,” Ryan said. “Because you never know—I mean strange things happen, you know, campers explode and your mom could be here one day and not the next so—call your momma.”

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