A Loudoun County grand jury indicted a former Southern States Cooperative worker on involuntary manslaughter and related charges in connection with the Sterling house explosion that killed volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown in February.
Roger Bentley also faces a charge of unlawful release of hazardous materials, namely propane and charges of failing to keep required records and failure to control or mitigate the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.
The grand jury returned the indictment Monday, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said.
The February 16 explosion that resulted from a leak involving a 500-gallon underground propane tank that was ignited by an unknown source led to the death of 45-year-old Brown, a Sterling volunteer firefighter, significant injuries to 11 first responders and $2.5 million in damages. The explosion that destroyed a home in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling and damaged others nearby shook the walls of homes miles away.
Southern States Cooperative, Inc. — Leesburg-Fairfax Petroleum Service has cooperated with the investigation into the explosion.
“Based on our own internal inquiry into the incident and an extensive review of our safety protocols and training, particularly as they relate to the handling of propane consistent with the industry’s Energy Compliance Manual, we have made what we believe to be appropriate personnel changes in the region and are moving forward with a renewed commitment toward ensuring that our procedures and training are rigorous and sound,” Southern States told WTOP.
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue reminds people that if you smell gas, you should evacuate and call 911. It also suggests that if you have a propane system and appliances, that you have them installed, inspected, serviced, and repaired by a qualified professional.
Feature image of the aftermath of the Sterling house explosion courtesy Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
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