An explosion at a Virginia home on Friday night killed one firefighter and injured 11 others, local authorities said.
Sterling Volunteer Fire Department responded to a home on Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling around 7:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a possible gas leak. Less than an hour later, the house suddenly exploded.
One firefighter was killed, fire officials said. Nine more firefighters and two civilians were injured and taken to hospitals, but their conditions were not immediately clear. NBC Washington reported.
Loudoun County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief James Williams told reporters at a news conference that the explosion caused “complete destruction.”
Aerial footage showed smoldering debris scattered around the charred remains of what was once a house and car. Several fire engines with ladders could be seen hovering over the rubble.
A firefighter on duty said, “The house is almost level.”
One firefighter was carried away on a stretcher. video program.
At the time of the explosion, neighbors said they felt their home shake like an earthquake, and the shaking was reportedly felt several miles away, according to NBC Washington.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene to offer assistance, but told the Post that “the situation remains serious.”
Williams said the snowfall expected tonight could complicate the response and investigation.
