An explosion on Friday evening in a Virginia home led to the death of a firefighter and injuries for several others. The explosion was caused by a 500-gallon propane tank that was found underground, beneath a home in Sterling, Viginia. Prior to the explosion, firefighters were called and had been on the scene to investigate a gas leak which had been reported just after 7:30 p.m. According to a press conference with the Chief of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Chief Keith Johnson, the leak was moving gas into the homes above the tank. The Fire and Rescue squad had been inside the home directly above the tank when the explosion happened.

The Assistant Chief of Operations, James Williams, described the scene as “total devastation.”

The damage done by the explosion created a vast field of debris. The debris went well into the street and into neighbors homes as well. The damage was also quite significant to the people as well, as the firefighters that were reporting to the scene all suffered injuries, with one even passing away due to the explosion. For those that sustained injuries, which includes eleven firefighters and at least two occupants of the home. The injuries ranged from serious to not very severe, which allowed some of the firefighters to carry the occupants and their pets out. Of the more severe injuries, four of the firefighters are still in the hospital.

The firefighter who passed away was identified as Trevor Brown. Brown was 45 years old and a part of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. He has been affiliated with the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue team since 2016.

Due to his death and the events that took place, an investigation is under way.

Thus far, the investigative team has not been able to conclude what the cause of the leak or explosion was. They are obviously aware that the leak caused a fire which ultimately led to the explosion, but they have been unable to find the cause of each step in the process. The Fire Marshal’s office as well as the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are working tirelessly to get to the bottom of the incident in order to honor the life of Trevor Brown and ease the worries of the Loudoun County community.