Firefighters battle house fire after crash kills two of their own

Firefighters battling a house fire in Union Hall fought with heavy hearts.

A fire on Lake View Drive in Union Hall destroyed a couple's home.  Neighbors reported hearing explosions.  No one was inside at the time. So far no cause has been released.

The blaze was fueled by two propane tanks on the side of the house.  Extra emergency crews were called to the scene to help. 

Rocky Mount Fire Chief Posey Dillon and veteran firefighter Danny Altice responded to the call and were headed to Union Hall in a tanker when they were hit by an SUV, accordign to Virginia State Police.  Both men were killed in the crash.

The Franklin County Fire Marshal Bennie Russell says everybody at the scene knew about the crash in Rocky Mount but didn't know any details.

"We're one big family we fuss and argue with each other but we're really a family," says Russell, "Our hearts and prayers go out for the families."

The flags outside the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire and Police Departments are flying at half staff in honor of the two fallen firefighters.