A gas line explosion at a North Carolina veterinary office caught on camera sent at least three firefighters to a hospital after a hit-and-run driver ruptured a line and fled. The incident, which occurred in a beach town, unfolded on Tuesday morning when a driver veered off the road and ruptured a gas line near the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center at about 11:30 a.m. The building exploded approximately 20 minutes later as firefighters searched inside, scattering debris across the busy road and sending a large plume of black smoke into the sky.
Officials confirmed that a mayday call was made, and four firefighters were injured, with two sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and one suffering severe burn injuries to the hands. The condition of the fourth firefighter is currently unknown. The driver, identified as Jason Lee Beach, 46, of Wilmington, was turning into a car dealership when his vehicle struck the gas lines feeding the building. Beach, who appeared to be impaired, allegedly fled the scene and was later arrested, facing charges including felony driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit-and-run, reckless driving, and failure to maintain a lane. He is being held under a $100,000 secured bond.
According to the veterinary center’s website, the location was about to open next month, raising concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and residents. The explosion occurred less than a mile from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, highlighting the proximity of the incident to an educational institution. The North Carolina Highway Patrol and other federal partners are assisting with the investigation, while the Wilmington police and fire departments did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.
The incident has prompted calls for increased public safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar occurrences. Authorities are now reviewing the circumstances of the accident to determine if any additional charges or penalties should be imposed on Beach. The local community is also reeling from the tragedy, with residents expressing shock and concern over the safety of their town. Despite the severity of the incident, the focus remains on the investigation and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.