Late Tuesday morning, the Wilmington Police Department and the Wilmington Fire Department responded to an explosion on New Centre Drive.
Eyewitnesses report the explosion took place at around 11:30 a.m. at the future site of the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, located at 5051 New Centre Drive. The veterinary hospital, which was previously located off Oleander Drive near Wrightsville Beach, was still under construction and was slated to open in September.
According to first responders, a vehicle hit the building's gas line and fled the scene. WPD confirms that the driver allegedly responsible for the hit-and-run is now in custody. According to Lt. Greg Willett, there was "evidence that would lead one to believe the driver was impaired." WPD is still investigating the driver, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
WPD has identified the driver as 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach of Wilmington. Beach has been charged with 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 under a $100,000 secured bond at the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Detention Center, according to WPD.
Following the crash, the fire department responded to the resulting gas leak. They evacuated several construction workers who were in the building; apparently, no hospital employees or animals were inside. Then, about 20 minutes after the initial crash, the gas leak exploded.
The shock wave rattled passing cars and shook nearby buildings, including the New Hanover County government center. The blast injured three firefighters, one badly. All three were taken to the hospital for treatment, two with "non-life-threatening injuries," and one with severe burns to the hands and arms.
The explosion has scattered debris throughout the area, including on major roads. Two hours later, WFD was still hosing down hotspots inside the building.
Officials have closed down New Centre Drive for the time being, and are asking the public to avoid the road as first responders work to secure the area.
WFD is the lead agency on a full investigation into the explosion, which is now underway.