Charges Filed in Tragic House Explosion
Roger Bentley, a former employee of a propane supplier, has been charged in connection with a deadly house explosion in Sterling, Virginia, that occurred in February 2024. The explosion led to the tragic death of volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown and caused significant injuries to 11 other first responders, Loudoun County officials announced on Tuesday.
Bentley was indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, unlawful release of hazardous materials, failure to maintain required records, and unlawful failure to control or mitigate the release of hazardous materials. The charges come after a months-long investigation into the explosion, which resulted from a propane leak at the residence.
Deadly Explosion Kills Firefighter and Injures First Responders
The explosion, which caused $2.5 million in damages, took place while firefighters responded to a report of a gas smell at the home. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders discovered a 500-gallon underground propane tank leaking near the house. Shortly after their arrival, the home exploded, trapping several firefighters inside the debris. Multiple mayday calls were made as crews scrambled to rescue their colleagues.
Trevor Brown, a volunteer firefighter with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue since 2016, lost his life in the explosion. Brown was married and the father of three children. His death, along with the injuries sustained by 11 others, has deeply shaken the community.
Two residents inside the home were evacuated before the explosion and suffered only minor injuries.
Investigation Points to Propane Leak
According to investigators, the explosion was caused by an uncontained propane leak that migrated into the house and surrounding areas. While the ignition source remains unidentified, the propane buildup was determined to have caused the blast. Bentley, who worked for Southern States Cooperative, Inc.-Leesburg-Fairfax Petroleum Service, was involved in maintaining propane tanks, and his actions or negligence may have contributed to the incident.
Company Response and Safety Measures
In a statement provided to local news outlet WTOP-TV, Southern States Cooperative expressed their condolences and said they were fully cooperating with the investigation. The company also indicated that they had conducted their own internal inquiry into the incident and made personnel changes as a result. They emphasized a renewed commitment to safety and protocol improvements to prevent future accidents.
“Our internal review of safety protocols and training, particularly regarding propane handling, has led to what we believe are necessary changes to ensure the highest safety standards,” the company’s statement read.
