Sterling, VA — A tragic home explosion in Loudoun County this February, which led to the death of a volunteer firefighter and injuries to several others, has resulted in an indictment of a former employee of a gas supply company. The incident, causing extensive damage to the residence at 347 Silver Ridge Drive and neighboring properties, followed a fault in a 500-gallon underground propane tank.
The volunteer firefighter, Trevor Brown of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, lost his life in the blast on Feb. 16. Brown, who had been associated with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System since 2016, was responding to reports of a gas leak at the location when the explosion occurred.
Investigations by Loudoun County Fire and Rescue linked the catastrophe to the propane in the underground tank. It was established that the propane had leaked out, accumulated around the structural space, and was ignited, leading to the devastating explosion. The exact source of ignition, however, remains undetermined.
On Monday, findings from the extensive investigation were presented before a grand jury at the Loudoun County Circuit Court. The inquiry has culminated in the indictment of Roger Bentley, a former employee of Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – specifically, their Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service division. Bentley faces multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter, unlawful failure to maintain required records concerning the discharge of hazardous materials, and failure to control or mitigate the release of such materials, specifically liquified petroleum gas, or propane.
The loss has echoed deeply within the community, leaving a widow and three children without their family member. Community members and fellow firefighters remember Brown for his service and dedication to public safety.
In response to this tragedy, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue has issued safety recommendations for handling propane. Residents are advised to ensure that the installation, servicing, inspection, and repair of propane systems and appliances are carried out by qualified professionals. They have also emphasized the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines and being vigilant about the system and appliance warnings.
Additionally, precautions such as using VA Miss Utility 811 to check for underground gas lines and tanks before digging or conducting ground work have been stressed. Awareness about protecting gas system components from the elements and pests, as well as guidelines on recognizing signs of a propane leak — such as the smell of rotten eggs, hissing or blowing sounds, and disturbed soil or vegetation — have also been disseminated.
Should a gas leak be suspected, the immediate safety steps highlighted include vacating the area promptly, ceasing all activities, not returning to the scene until it is declared safe by professionals, and contacting emergency services from a safe location.
The community continues to recover from the fallout of this tragedy as legal processes and safety reassessments unfold. Meanwhile, safety authorities remain committed to preventing such incidents in the future through rigorous regulation and public education on the safe handling of propane and other hazardous materials.