Bridgeport man thankful to be alive following an RV explosion

Joshua Serrano, 30, and his mother, Janet Pastrana, said it was nothing short of a miracle that he survived the incident in Columbia, Connecticut.

Frank Recchia and Robyn Karashik

Dec 26, 2023, 5:43 PM

Updated 341 days ago

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A Bridgeport man says he's lucky to be alive after his RV exploded on Dec. 16.
Joshua Serrano, 30, and his mother, Janet Pastrana, said it was nothing short of a miracle that he survived the incident in Columbia, Connecticut.
It’s been almost two weeks since the RV exploded with him inside of it, leaving his face and hands with second- and third-degree burns.
"I started screaming for help, I realized I was on fire. I didn't think I was going to survive,” said Serrano. “I tried coming out of the door and I could not get out. The door already exploded out…it was stuck on the hinges."
He said he's grateful to God for eventually getting out.
Serrano used the RV for his mobile business, "the Barber Express,” and said he was at a vehicle rental outlet in Columbia, Connecticut to get his propane tank refilled when the explosion occurred.
"It was definitely one of the scariest times for me," said Serrano.
After emergency response crews arrived, he was airlifted to the Bridgeport Hospital burn unit. Doctors said it was a miracle he survived. His mom also opened up about the experience of rushing to the hospital when she heard the news.
"It's so hard to receive that call. He came through the doors, his hands all wrapped, his face all burned,” said Pastrana.
His family said they are grateful that Serrano is expected to make a full recovery. They even made a GoFundMe page to help him rebuild his business.
"I'm happy because I'm alive," said Serrano.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.