Tragedy Strikes Virginia: Firefighter Lost, 11 Injured in Gas Leak Explosion That Levels Residence With ‘Enormous Boom
A Virginia firefighter has tragically passed away, and eleven others have been injured following a home explosion that completely destroyed a residence on Friday evening.
During a recent press conference, Loudon County Fire & Rescue Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams shared the tragic news that one firefighter has passed away, while nine firefighters and two civilians have been injured due to the explosion that completely destroyed a home in northern Virginia.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company shared on social media that crews were dispatched to a gas leak incident which escalated into a “structural fire” at a residence at 7:40 p.m. on Friday evening.
“Shortly after reaching the location, the house exploded,” Williams stated.Officials stated that during the fatal explosion, firefighters were inside the residence.
Williams mentioned that nine firefighters and two civilians were taken to nearby hospitals. According to him, a few individuals sustained severe injuries.
Tragic Fire in Virginia: Unnamed Firefighter Lost, Community Reeling From Impact
Authorities did not reveal the name of the firefighter who lost their life in the fire at the press briefing, but emphasized the profound impact the incident had on the community.
This situation is taking a significant toll on all those connected to the fire department, both physically and emotionally. It’s clear that those who are trapped, the rescuers entering to help them, and the incident commander are all crucial in this situation,” Williams stated.
Residents reported hearing a loud noise that shook their entire home. An enormous boom just shook the entire house. One Sterling resident informed FOX 5 that they ran upstairs, went outside with flashlights, and noticed all the neighbors were doing the same. It seems that a house detonated on a street close by.
The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, which also arrived at the scene to provide assistance, informed The Post that “it is a serious ongoing situation.”
