‘It was a miracle that I even survived’: Survivor of Maine home explosion grateful for support
By Terry Stackhouse
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WATERVILLE, Maine (WMTW) — Nearly four months after the explosion that leveled his home and left him badly injured, Cliff Hannon of Oakland is sharing his story and thanking the many people supporting him.
Hannon is still recovering at a rehab facility in Waterville after surviving the explosion on Thanksgiving.
Holding a tattered photo of his family salvaged from the wreckage, Hannon reflected on his survival.
“It was a miracle that I even survived initially. And then it took some more miracles that I made through the first week,” Hannon said.
The explosion, likely caused by a propane leak according to the state fire marshal’s office, scattered debris throughout the neighborhood.
Despite the destruction, Hannon maintains his sense of humor, saying, “The explosion destroyed two of my neighbors’ homes, and they still like me,” with a laugh.
Hannon continues to heal after being impaled and having two large wounds on his backside, with 50% of his body burned.
“I gently rubbed against something today, and my skin was so tender that I looked down on my hands, bleeding,” he said.
After being sedated for nearly two months at Maine Medical Center, Hannon is now at Lakewood Healthcare Center in Waterville, where he has received numerous letters from friends and acquaintances.
He expressed deep appreciation for the support from neighbors, first responders, medical teams, and everyone who has reached out.
“My first non-family that visited me in Portland, they walked in the door, and I started bawling. It was just, I couldn’t believe where I was. I couldn’t believe I was alive,” Hannon said.
A fundraiser held late last year and a video of attendees offering encouragement particularly moved Hannon.
“One of the nurses comes in. She could tell I was crying, and she says, ‘Are you crying?’ I said, ‘Yes, I’m happy.’ I said, ‘I’m just so happy.’ You know, watching the video and listening to the people say, get well and good wishes. You know, I was balling by the time I got through it,” he said.
Hannon isn’t sure when he will be able to leave the rehab facility, but he hopes to return to normal health and community service by Thanksgiving, as he is heavily involved in organizations such as the Waterville Sunrise Rotary Club. He also praised his wife, calling her a “hero” throughout the recovery process.
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