US EditionNorth Carolina building explodes after car strikes gas line, video shows
Three firefighters were hospitalized with injuries, including severe burns, after a driver impaired by alcohol struck a gas line, causing an explosion at a veterinary center under renovation.
- On the morning of Tuesday, August 19, a vehicle driven by Jason Lee Beach left the roadway in Wilmington, North Carolina, and collided with a gas line near a veterinary hospital under construction, triggering a building explosion.
- The crash happened before the veterinary center's planned September opening and led to a hit-and-run by Beach, who was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses including felony DWI and hit-and-run.
- The explosion occurred about 20 minutes after the collision while firefighters were searching the building, resulting in three firefighters hospitalized, one with severe burns transferred to UNC Burn Center.
- Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral stated no staff, construction workers, or pets were harmed and expressed support while keeping the practice open for pet care despite the incident.
- Authorities closed surrounding roads pending an ongoing investigation, and the incident delayed the veterinary center's opening while emphasizing safety and community support moving forward.
56 Articles
56 Articles
Explosion hurts firefighters after impaired driver hits vet clinic gas line: Video
A fiery explosion caught on the dashcam in Wilmington, North Carolina, injured four firefighters, according to local media outlets. Police said it happened after a driver veered off the road and crashed into a veterinary medical center on Tuesday morning, rupturing gas lines and sparking the explosion. When did the explosion occur? The building exploded roughly 20 minutes after the collision, as firefighters searched through the remnants of the …
Brand New Veterinary Hospital Explodes After Car Hits Gas Line, North Carolina Police Say
WILMINGTON, N.C.—A brand new veterinary hospital exploded Tuesday morning in North Carolina after a car crashed into a nearby gas meter, authorities said. About 20 minutes before the explosion in Wilmington, a car had run off the road and hit the gas lines that feed into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, which was still under construction, Wilmington Police Department spokesperson Greg Willett said at a news conference. The crash w…
Driver charged with DWI after building explodes in North Carolina
WILMINGTON, N.C. (NEXSTAR/WBTW) – The motorist believed to be responsible for a series of events that culminated in the explosion of a building in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been charged in connection with the incident. Jason Lee Branch, 46, has been charged with driving while intoxicated (felony serious injury) as well as possession of drug paraphernalia, hit-and-run/leaving the scene of the accident, reckless driving, and failure to maint…
A veterinary clinic that was to open its doors in a few weeks exploded Tuesday in North Carolina after a car hit a nearby gas line.
Officials, businesses react to New Centre Drive explosion that destroyed veterinary hospital
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A massive explosion at the East Carolina Veterinary Medical Center rocked New Centre Drive Tuesday morning. Firefighters had been responding to a gas leak inside the building when it exploded. Wilmington Fire Chief Steve Mason said 4 firefighters were injured: 2 suffered concussions, 1 broke an ankle, and a 4th was transported to the UNC Burn Clinic at Chapel Hill for severe 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his hands. Mason sa…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
