Sterling, Virginia – A tragic incident occurred on Friday night when a house exploded in Sterling, Virginia, leaving one firefighter dead and 13 others injured, including 11 first responders. The explosion occurred as fire crews were inside the home checking for a gas leak. The injured individuals, including first responders and two civilians, were hospitalized with injuries ranging from severe to less severe. Four of the first responders remained hospitalized the following morning. The deceased firefighter was identified as 45-year-old Trevor Brown, a member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company who had been affiliated with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue since 2016.
The explosion took place around 7:40 p.m. ET after a 911 call reported a gas odor coming from the residence. According to a news release from the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, firefighters arrived at the home to assess a leak in a 500-gallon underground propane tank, which had caused the gas to migrate into the home. Shortly before 8:30 p.m., a “catastrophic explosion” occurred, trapping firefighters inside the home and injuring others outside the structure.
Multiple maydays and calls for help came from the wreckage, prompting emergency crews to respond and rescue firefighters in the debris. The aftermath of the explosion showed a huge plume of smoke billowing from the leveled home, with debris scattered into the street. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue assistant chief of operations James Williams described the scene as “total devastation.”
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, but officials believe it to have been an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community. Additionally, it was confirmed that the two civilians who were in the home at the time of the incident sustained minor injuries and were transported for medical attention.
The incident in Sterling, located about 20 miles northwest of Arlington, left a significant impact on the community, with one resident describing it as “horrific” and “like an inferno.” As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and provide support to the affected individuals and their families.
This devastating event serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by first responders in their line of duty. The loss of a dedicated firefighter and the injuries sustained by others highlight the bravery and sacrifices made by these individuals in serving and protecting their communities.