A Virginia firefighter lost their life in a catastrophic house explosion on Friday night, while 11 others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Emergency crews responded to a gas leak call in Sterling at around 7.30pm. As firefighters entered the residence and investigated, the house unexpectedly exploded.
Shocking footage and photos capture the aftermath, showing billowing clouds of smoke rising from the debris.
Nine firefighters and two civilians were injured and taken to multiple hospitals, with the conditions of their injuries not immediately known.
‘I’d say this is the worst call we can respond to, and this is a time when we need to support each other and hold each other,’ Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Asst. Chief James Williams.