Lacey Distillery Owner Burned In Explosion Still Recovering

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - The owners of the Island Beach Distillery in Forked River need some help to pay their bills, since one of them was badly burned in an explosion just two days before Christmas.

So friends and family have set up a gofundme account for Peter and Tina Martorelli. Peter is still recovering in the burn unit at St. Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston.

"The new business was flourishing for the first three months, when suddenly a horrible accident occurred,"
the page states. "The still blew up and caused a fire in the distillery. Thankfully they both survived the fire. Tina walked away with no injuries, but unfortunately, Peter suffered 3rd degree burns. He is in the best care at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston."

Police responded to the business at 713 Old Shore Road on Dec. 23 on a report of a fire with entrapment. They discovered that the a distillery had exploded inside, which injured Martorelli.

To donate to the gofundme account for the couple, click here.

"We ask that the community comes together as one and help support this family during this difficult time," the page states. "Every dollar you are capable of donating is a blessing. I ask you to keep them in your thoughts. Please read and share their story because the rum is not gone yet. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. You have no idea how much this means to all of us."

So far, $500 of the $35,000 goal has been raised by six people in four days.

Photo: gofundme.com