One Firefighter dead, 12 injured in Virginia home explosion

On Friday night in Sterling, Virginia, tragedy struck as a house exploded while fire crews were inside investigating a gas leak, resulting in one firefighter losing his life and at least 12 others sustaining injuries, including 10 additional firefighters, officials have confirmed.

According to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, the injured individuals, consisting of firefighters and two civilians, were hospitalized following the blast, with the severity of their injuries varying.

The incident unfolded around 7:40 p.m. ET when emergency services responded to a 911 call reporting a gas odor emanating from the residence, as detailed in a news release by the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System on Saturday.

Upon arrival, responders discovered a 500-gallon underground propane tank leaking on the side of the house, prompting the dispatch of a hazardous materials response team. The release stated that a "catastrophic explosion" occurred shortly after that.

Amidst the chaos, multiple maydays and distress calls were issued from the scene, prompting frantic efforts to locate and extricate trapped firefighters from the rubble, officials recounted.

Images and footage capturing the aftermath depict a massive plume of smoke engulfing the leveled home, with debris strewn across the street. Numerous fire trucks and emergency vehicles swiftly responded to the scene.

Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue previously characterized the scene as one of "total devastation," acknowledging the emotional toll on responders. "This is the worst call that we can respond to," he expressed. "This is a time where we need to support each other and hold each other up."

The two civilians present at the time of the explosion sustained minor injuries and were promptly transported for treatment, according to a department spokeswoman.

While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials have indicated that it appears to have been an isolated incident, reassuring the community that there is no ongoing threat.

Sterling, situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Arlington and less than 5 miles north of Washington Dulles International Airport, witnessed the tragic event unfold. Nearby resident John Padgett described the scene as resembling "an inferno," likening it to something out of a war zone.