STERLING, Va. — A house explosion in Sterling, Virginia late Friday night has left three firefighters hospitalized and one volunteer firefighter, Trevor Brown, dead. The incident occurred just after 7:30 p.m., when multiple fire crews responded to reports of a gas odor at a home on Silver Ridge Drive.
During the response, a leaking underground 500-gallon propane tank was discovered, which ultimately resulted in an explosion at 8:25 p.m. The impact of the explosion was felt by residents near and far, emphasizing the extent of the incident.
Despite the tragic loss of Trevor Brown, the heroic actions of the fire crews prevented further casualties. The woman inside the home where the explosion occurred escaped with only minor injuries, a testament to the quick response of the firefighters.
The community is mourning the loss of Trevor Brown, describing him as a family member. In the wake of the incident, the community has expressed gratitude and admiration for the firefighters’ bravery in facing dangerous and unpredictable situations as a part of their job.
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Johnson stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is suspected to be propane related. The investigation aims to determine the reason behind the gas leak, shedding light on the source of the explosion.
The Sterling community continues to support their local firefighters as they recover from the tragic incident. The impact of this event has reverberated through the community, illustrating the significant and often dangerous responsibilities shouldered by first responders.
The aftermath of the explosion serves as a reminder of the risks that firefighters undertake in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their community. As the investigation continues, the community remains united in gratitude for the heroic actions of the firefighters and in remembrance of Trevor Brown.