A former employee of a propane supplier has been charged in the death of a volunteer firefighter following a house explosion in Virginia earlier this year. The incident occurred in Sterling, Virginia, causing significant damages and injuries to multiple individuals.
Roger Bentley, the former propane worker, was indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter and unlawful release of hazardous materials by Loudoun County Fire and Rescue officials. Additionally, Bentley faces charges of failure to maintain required records of an unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials and failure to control or mitigate the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.
The explosion resulted in the tragic death of volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown, as well as injuries to 11 first responders and extensive property damage estimated at $2.5 million. Brown, a dedicated firefighter with three children, had been serving with the county firefighting services since 2016.
Firefighters responded to a report of a gas smell at the residence, where they discovered a leaking 500-gallon underground propane tank. Shortly after their arrival, the house exploded, engulfing the structure in flames and leading to distress signals from trapped firefighters inside. Despite rescue efforts, the responders were caught under debris, with two individuals sustaining minor injuries before the explosion.
Investigations revealed that the explosion was triggered by the propane leak, which had spread around the property and was ignited by an unknown source. Bentley, a former employee of Southern States Cooperative, Inc.-Leesburg-Fairfax Petroleum Service, is said to be cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations.
Southern States Cooperative issued a statement expressing cooperation with the inquiries into the blast and highlighting proactive measures taken to enhance safety protocols and training related to propane handling. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring robust procedures and training moving forward.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with handling hazardous materials and the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols in such industries. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion as the community mourns the loss of a dedicated firefighter and supports those affected by the devastating event.