Anthony Yates
Authorities have arrested a North Carolina man after he allegedly drove into a gas line. The gas system was damaged and later triggered an explosion, injuring several firefighters.
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According to a news release by the Wilmington, NC Police Department, the incident occurred on August 19 at around 11 AM. A car crashed into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center and ruptured a gas line. Wilmington firefighters reportedly started a search to ensure the building was empty. Authorities confirm no civilians were inside the veterinary center; however, there was an explosion while the emergency services were sweeping the area.
The news release explains that the explosion injured three firefighters. Authorities transported them to the hospital. Two reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries while the other had severe burns to his hands and arms.
Wilmington Fire Department posted about the incident on social media. “Working fire at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center. Media staging at Bob King Pre-Owned Truck Dealership,” they said.
Police Reveal That The Driver Fled The Scene After The Crash
Authorities explain that the driver of the crashed vehicle fled the area after the incident, but officers located and detained him. The police department provided an update, identifying the driver as 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach from Wilmington. Officials have charged him with “DWI-Felony Serious Injury, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Hit and Run/Leave Scene, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.” Authorities are holding Beach under a secured $100,000 bond at the NHSO Detention Center.
Per ABC News, the driver was under evaluation by the North Carolina Highway Patrol after showing signs of impairment.
The Eastern Carolina Veterinary Center was fortunately empty at the time because it’s a new build. Per their website, they were hoping to relocate and open in September. A message on the home page addresses the situation, saying, “As many in our community have already heard, a fire broke out earlier this morning at our new building that is under construction on New Centre Drive. Operations at our hospital on Greenville Ave. remain unaffected by this incident, and we remain open 24/7 for emergency pet care.”
