A house explosion in Sterling, Virginia on Friday claimed the life of one firefighter and injured 11 others, WUSA9 reported.

The emergency team was dispatched Around 7:30 p.m., after receiving reports of a gas leak before the explosion. according to This was reported to the same media as a source related to the scene. However, the newspaper reported that the existence of a gas leak could not be confirmed and authorities were still investigating the cause of the fire, Loudoun County Fire Department Deputy Chief James Williams said.

Williams said crews were also called to a reported structure fire in the same area about 30 minutes later, the newspaper reported. However, the situation changed shortly after their arrival when the house exploded, causing casualties and injuries.

Two of the injured were taken to the hospital, WTOP said.

At the scene here, #sterling – We just saw a firefighter being carried away on a stretcher.

Expect updates from stakeholders soon. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/5KTE2vCITi

— 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙤 (@KatieLusso) February 17, 2024

“As soon as we arrived, firefighters were inside and the house exploded,” Williams said, according to the newspaper's report. “Complete devastation. A debris field stretches from the road to neighboring homes.” (Related: 11 people killed in fire at villa for adults with disabilities in France)

“This is the worst call we can respond to, and this is a time where we need to support and support each other,” Williams said when asked about firefighters, according to WUSA9.

Local gas company Washington Gas issued a statement following the incident. According to WUSA9, “Washington Gas is on scene assisting the Loudoun County Fire Department and other authorities as the fire remains under investigation.” “We are verifying the integrity of the systems in the surrounding area. Our hearts go out to those who were injured and to the Loudoun County Fire Department for the loss of their lives.”