Tragedy Strikes Sterling, Virginia: Firefighter Killed, 13 Injured in House Explosion during Gas Leak Response
In a devastating incident on Friday night, a house in Sterling, Virginia, exploded while fire crews were inside investigating a reported gas leak. The blast resulted in the tragic death of one firefighter, identified as 45-year-old Trevor Brown, and left 13 others injured, including 11 first responders. The injured individuals, comprising first responders and two civilians, were promptly hospitalized with injuries ranging from severe to less severe.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, affiliated with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, responded to a 911 call around 7:40 p.m. ET reporting a gas odor emanating from the residence. According to a Saturday update from Fire and Rescue, the crew entered the home to address a leak in a 500-gallon underground propane tank, suspecting the explosion to be propane-related.
System Chief Keith Johnson stated in a press conference that the firefighters, equipped with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), successfully evacuated the home’s occupants before the catastrophic explosion occurred around 8:30 p.m. This explosion trapped firefighters inside and injured others outside the structure.
Chief Johnson emphasized the dual responsibility of ensuring the safety of occupants and controlling the gas leak, commending the home’s occupant for alerting emergency services to the gas smell. Multiple maydays were issued from the scene, prompting a swift response from rescue crews to locate and extricate trapped firefighters.
The aftermath depicted a scene of devastation, with a large plume of smoke rising from the leveled home and debris scattered into the street. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams described it as “total devastation.”
The two civilians present in the home at the time of the explosion sustained minor injuries and were transported for medical attention. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, though officials believe it to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.
Sterling, located about 20 miles northwest of Arlington, witnessed an outpouring of support from the community. A verified GoFundMe account has been established to assist the woman whose house was destroyed in the tragic incident, highlighting the need for collective support during these challenging times.