STERLING, Va. — A Sterling Volunteer Fire Company firefighter was killed when a house he was inside exploded Friday night.
Trevor Brown, 45, was part of a crew investigating a reported gas leak at a home along Silver Ridge Drive. Shortly upon arriving, firefighters discovered a 500-gallon underground propane tank on the side of the property was leaking. Roughly 40 minutes after arriving, the house exploded with firefighters inside.
Brown was among the trapped firefighters. Ten other first responders and two civilians were taken to an area hospital for help. The civilians have since been released and four of the first responders remain hospitalized.
Brown, a member of the Sterling VFC since 2016, died in the blast. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Other fire departments and local officials have released statements sharing their thoughts and prayers with Brown's family, the other injured firefighters, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, and Sterling VFC.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) shared his sympathy with the Brown family on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"My heart is with Firefighter Trevor Brown's family today," Kaine wrote. "Praying for the Sterling community and for the quick recovery of all the first responders injured."
The City of Wildwood Fire Department in New Jersey expressed support after Brown's death.
"The officers and firefighters of the WFD extend our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and our brothers and sisters of the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and Sterling Volunteer Fire Company on the loss of Firefighter Trevor Brown who was killed in the line of duty last night at a house explosion in Sterling, VA," the department wrote on Facebook. "We also send prayers for a speedy recovery for the other firefighters injured during the incident."
Loudoun County Public School Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence released a statement Saturday afternoon, calling the explosion a "horrific event" that has touched every corner of the community.
"The collective thoughts and prayers of LCPS are with every family, first responder, and community member today. Words fall short in expressing the gratitude I have for the firefighters who, with unwavering courage, confronted danger to protect their fellow citizens," Spence wrote.
The superintendent added that LCPS has mental health professionals available to help any students with any questions they may have or difficulties they might experience.
Students or parents may reach out at any time to SMHSleadershipteam@lcps.org and provide the best phone number to contact them. Spence says one of their team members will be in touch within 24 hours.
Extra counselors will be at affected schools on Tuesday and members of the Unified Mental Health Team will be available to speak with any students who need assistance.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.