LODD Explosion Prompts $100 Million Suit Against Utility
The victims of a massive propane explosion in Virginia that killed one firefighter and injured several others have filed a $100 million lawsuit against a utility they claim is responsible for their injuries. The February 16, 2024 incident occurred in Sterling and claimed the life of Loudoun County firefighter Trevor Brown.
At the time of the blast, firefighters were responding to reports of a gas leak at a home on Silver Ridge Drive. Despite prior knowledge of the propane tank’s defects, employees of Southern States Cooperative reportedly filled it with 125 gallons of propane and downplayed the danger. Moments before the explosion, a company employee allegedly told firefighters he did not believe it was an emergency. The blast resulted in Brown’s death and injuries to others, including Captain Karam Mashaal, who suffered a traumatic brain injury.
An employee of the utility has already been indicted for manslaughter. According to news coverage, that employee, Roger Bentley, was arguing with Captain Mashaal, telling him there was no emergency.
The suit brought by Brown’s family, Captain Mashaal, the property owners, and others, alleges negligence by Southern States Cooperative and two of its employees. A copy of the complaint posted below the video.
