Former Propane Company Employee's Trial Over Loudoun Home Explosion Starts

STERLING, VA — A jury trial is starting for a former employee of a propane company tied to a February 2024 home explosion that killed a firefighter in Loudoun County.

Opening arguments begin Tuesday in the trial of Roger Bentley, who formerly worked for Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service, WTOP reported. Bentley is charged with involuntary manslaughter and three fire code-related charges. The involuntary manslaughter charge could result in up to 10 years in prison.

The Feb. 16, 2024 home explosion at 347 Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling's Sugarland Run neighborhood killed Trevor Brown, a volunteer firefighter with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. More than a dozen others were injured, and the explosion caused a total loss of the home and damage to surrounding homes. Fire personnel had been investigating a gas leak report at the home when the explosion occurred.

Firefighters traced back the cause of the explosion to a 500-gallon underground propane tank. Uncontained propane in the tank migrated into and around the structure and was ignited by an unknown source, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

SEE ALSO: Home Explosion Aftermath: Challenges With Home Explosion Emergency Response Identified

Bentley had responded to the home on the day of the explosion due to a leaking underground propane tank, according to WTOP's report. Another employee had filled the propane tank earlier that day, noticed a propane smell and contacted supervisors. Prosecutors say Bentley had told the homeowner to continue letting the propane leak "seep out of the ground."

DC News Now reported that Bentley spoke with fire officials and the homeowner when they responded to the gas leak. Bentley indicated he was aware of the leak but shared uncertainty that remaining propane could be pumped out due to the tank's age. When the officials asked if they could dig out the tank, Bentley allowed it but noted Southern States would address it on Feb. 26.

The home exploded as units were investigating, killing Brown, trapping several firefighters and injuring more people at the scene. Court documents said Bentley tried to reach the homeowner several times after the explosion, asking for the fire marshal and homeowner to contact him.

According to DC News Now, the homeowner wanted Southern States to address the propane tank tied to her pool heater, as she intended to put the house for sale the month after.

Brown's wife, other firefighters injured in the home explosion and neighboring homeowners are pursuing a negligence lawsuit seeking millions in damages, Loudoun Now reported. That case is filed in Richmond Circuit Court.

Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap