A firefighter was killed after a house in Virginia exploded Friday night, injuring 11 other people and scattering pieces of the home across the neighborhood, officials said.
Firefighters arrived at the home in Sterling, Va., a suburb of Washington, about 7:40 p.m., said James Williams, the assistant chief of operations for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.
That was around the same time the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company reported on social media that it had sent fire engines to the house to investigate a gas leak.
Soon after, the house exploded with firefighters inside, leaving people trapped and the area in “total devastation,” Mr. Williams said.
Aerial footage of the scene from local news media showed smoke and debris covering the area and barely any signs of the demolished house.
Persons:
Firefighters, James Williams, ” Mr, Williams
Organizations:
Loudoun County Fire, Sterling Volunteer Fire Company
Locations:
Virginia, Sterling , Va, Washington, Loudoun County