Firefighter killed, 11 injured in massive home explosion in Virginia: ‘Total devastation’

A firefighter was killed and 11 others were injured when a Virginia home exploded on Friday night, according to local officials.

The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company responded to a residence on Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling around 7:30 p.m. after receiving a call for a possible gas leak. Less than an hour later, the house suddenly exploded.

One firefighter was killed, fire officials said. Another nine firefighters and two civilians were injured and taken to the hospital, but their conditions were not immediately clear, NBC Washington reported.

Assistant Chief of Operations for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue James Williams told reporters at a press conference the explosion left “total devastation.” 

Aerial footage shows smoldering debris scattered around the charred remains of what used to be a home and car. Several fire trucks with ladders could be seen hovering above the rubble. 

“The house is pretty much leveled,” a firefighter said on a dispatch call.

One firefighter was taken away on a stretcher, video shows.

Neighbors said they felt their houses shaking like an earthquake during the explosion, which was reportedly felt miles away, according to NBC Washington.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, who also responded to the scene to offer support, told The Post “it is a serious ongoing situation.”

Williams said that tonight’s expected snowfall could complicate the response and investigation.