3 firefighters hurt after crash causes gas explosion at veterinary clinic; driver charged with DWI
A hit-and-run driver crashed into a North Carolina veterinary clinic on Tuesday, causing a gas explosion that left three firefighters injured, authorities said.
Jason Lee Beach, 46, was charged with felony DWI with serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane, the Wilmington Police Department said in a press release. He is being held at the New Hanover County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.
The incident began unfolding around 11 a.m. Tuesday when a vehicle struck the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center on New Centre Drive, rupturing a gas line, police said. The driver fled the scene before authorities arrived, according to police.
While Wilmington firefighters were conducting a search of the building to ensure it was empty, a gas explosion occurred. Three firefighters were injured in the blast, with one sustaining severe burns to the hands and arms.
The other two firefighters suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. All three were taken to a local hospital, officials said.
No civilians were inside the building at the time of the explosion. Fire crews later secured the gas leak and brought the fire under control, according to authorities.
Police located and arrested Beach, who had allegedly fled the scene after the initial crash.
