A man allegedly driving under the influence crashed into a building’s gas line, triggering a massive explosion in Wilmington, N.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Around 11 a.m., Jason Lee Beach lost control while attempting a turn and drove directly into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, according to the Wilmington Police Department. His vehicle struck the veterinarian’s gas line, which caused an explosion about 20 minutes later, spokesperson Greg Willett said during a news conference, as reported by the Associated Press.
Beach reportedly tried to flee on foot before being taken into custody.
The 46-year-old was arrested on multiple charges, including DWI-felony serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run/leave scene, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane. He is currently being held at the NHSO Detention Center on a $100,000 bond, the Wilmington Police Department confirmed in a news release.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)/Wilmington-North-Carolina-explosion-at-vet-hospital-081925-2-387c275a0e264d3697d325fae042ae71.jpg)
Wilmington firefighters were conducting a primary search at the scene when the explosion occurred, prompting them to issue a MAYDAY, Rebekah Thurston of the Wilmington Fire Department said at a press conference.
“It’s scary, but this is what we train for every day,” Thurston added.
Three people were injured and taken to the hospital. One suffered severe burns to the head and hands, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have since been discharged.
Authorities have secured the gas, and the fire remains under investigation.
The veterinary facility, which had planned to provide 24/7 emergency care for pets, was temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in September, according to its website.
