STERLING, Va. — A firefighter is dead and nine other firefighters are hurt after a house explosion in Northern Virginia.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Department said they were responding to a gas leak around 7:40 p.m. in a post on the social media platform X.
Assistant Chief of Operations of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue James Williams told reporters the explosion left "total devestation."
Engine 618 and Truck 611 dispatched to SILVER RIDGE DR for the GAS LEAK [Fri 07:38 PM]
— Sterling VFC (@SterlingFire) February 17, 2024
Later, there were numerous posts about crews responding to a structure fire at the same location.
CAN 611 dispatched to SILVER RIDGE DR for the STRUCTURE FIRE with @AshburnFire and @FFXFireRescue [Fri 08:25 PM]
— Sterling VFC (@SterlingFire) February 17, 2024
Ambulance 618 and CAN 611 responding to SILVER RIDGE DR for the STRUCTURE FIRE [Fri 08:25 PM]
— Sterling VFC (@SterlingFire) February 17, 2024
Ambulance 618, CAN 611, and Engine 611B responding to SILVER RIDGE DR for the STRUCTURE FIRE with @FFXFireRescue [Fri 08:25 PM]
— Sterling VFC (@SterlingFire) February 17, 2024
Nine firefighters and two civilians had to go to the hospital, and a tenth firefighter died as a result of the explosion, according to CBS affiliate WUSA 9. They have not been while officials work to notify families.
Williams said the injured firefighters and civilians have injuries ranging from minor to severe.
