An explosion in a suburban area of Washington DC claimed the life of one firefighter and left nine others injured, along with two civilians, when it leveled a home they were investigating for a potential gas leak on Friday (local time).
Firefighters responded to a report of a gas odor at the residence in Sterling, Virginia, shortly after 7:30 pm, and approximately 30 minutes later, a fiery explosion occurred, according to fire officials.
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred while firefighters were inside the building, explained James Williams, assistant chief of operations for Loudon County Fire and Rescue, during a news conference.
Williams detailed that the house exploded soon after firefighters arrived on the scene, resulting in one firefighter fatality and injuries to nine firefighters and two civilians, who were transported to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
"All firefighters have been evacuated from the building, but the fire continues to smolder," Williams reported.
He described the damage to the home as "total devastation," noting a significant debris field extending into the street and neighboring residences.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, Williams stated.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company posted on X that its crews had initially responded to a report of a gas leak before the explosion occurred.
A neighbor, John Padgett, recounted to ABC7 News that he had detected the smell of gas while walking his dog earlier in the day. The blast shook his home, leaving behind a scene he likened to "an inferno" with insulation from the burning structure resembling falling ash. "It was horrific; it looked like something out of a war zone," he expressed.
Sterling is situated approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Washington DC.
