BREAKING: House Explosion Outside DC; One Firefighter Reportedly Dead

A massive explosion has destroyed a house near Washington DC Friday evening.

It’s been reported that shakes from the blast in Loudoun County were felt miles away.

🚨 #BREAKING: MASSIVE house explosion just outside of DC in Sterling, Virginia

Several firefighters are reportedly trapped and injured

What’s up with all the houses exploding recently? pic.twitter.com/WmqXYxYzhD

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 17, 2024

At least one firefighter has reportedly been killed as a result of the devastation.

Nine other firefighters were reportedly injured.

Some individuals online made provocative connections between the explosion and recent events in the area.

Remember this one in December in Arlington Virginia? Disappeared from the news cycle pretty quick..🧐 pic.twitter.com/ltL0Bx7AEH

— SuZuQ (@SuZuQ17) February 17, 2024

Remember when there were aliens at that mall in Miami?
Me either. pic.twitter.com/rKT3IBrQwP

— Myles Teteak (@MylesTeteak) February 17, 2024

The Washington Post first reported on this disaster:

A huge blast in Loudoun County demolished a house there Friday night, shaking the ground for miles and leaving at least one firefighter dead, according to authorities and witnesses.

James Williams, an assistant chief with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, described the aftermath of the scene as “total devastation.”

He said the department was dispatched at around 7:40 p.m. to the 300 block of Silver Ridge Place for an investigation. Soon after, the house exploded with multiple firefighters still inside.

In addition to the firefighter who died, nine other firefighters and two civilians were injured.

WTOP had more on the story:

James Williams, the assistant chief of operations for Loudoun County’s fire department, spoke to reporters about the incident during a press briefing just before 11 p.m.

He said firefighters responded to the scene at around 7:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a fire in the 300 Block of Silver Ridge Drive.

“Soon after arrival, with firefighters inside, the house did explode,” Williams said.

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As for the home: “Total devastation. There’s a debris field well into the street and into the neighboring homes,” he told reporters.

Officials did not identify the firefighter killed in the blaze during the press conference but did say the broader community, including peers in nearby jurisdictions, was deeply affected by the incident.

“It’s a huge physical and emotional toll on everyone associated with the fire department. Obviously, the people who are trapped, the rescuers that are going in to try to pull them out, the incident commander,” Williams said.

Officials said the fire will continue to smolder Friday evening, as the department’s fire investigation meets overnight snowfall.

Our prayers go out to the families of those affected by this disaster.