Sterling House Explosion: Firefighter killed, others seriously hurt

STERLING, Va. (DC News Now) — Emergency crews were on the scene of a house explosion in Sterling Friday night that killed a firefighter and left 11 firefighters and two other people hurt.

Aerial footage shared by Tim Pruss of MyDrone.Pro showed the huge amount of debris left from the explosion that took place in the 300 block of 300 block of Silver Ridge Dr.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) said shortly before 7:40 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a call about the smell of gas outside of a home. When members of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company arrived, they found a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the home. The asked that the Loudoun County’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, as well as additional units from Sterling, South Riding, a number of command staff members, and safety officers come to the home.

LCFR said a short time later, crews reported a “catastrophic explosion” that came at the same time of maydays from firefighters who were inside the home.

Crews requested a Rapid Intervention Task Force and a second alarm, which brought additional units from Fairfax County and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.

Fire and rescue crews worked to find and pull firefighters who were trapped from the debris that covered them. One died there. Crews took the 10 who were hurt to the hospital for treatment as well as two civilians who had injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening.

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LCFR said the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office was working to determine the source and cause of the explosion.

In a news release, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said: “We appreciate the continued support of the community and our public safety partners during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep our Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System members, their friends, families, and all those involved in your thoughts.”

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