Demolition continues at Eastern Carolina Vet Medical Center after explosion
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Demolition of the Eastern Carolina Vet Medical Center continued Tuesday.
Demolition began on Monday and is expected to take 30 to 45 days to complete. The center exploded in August after an alleged impaired driver struck the gas lines causing a gas leak. The 32,000 square foot facility was set to open on Sept. 15.
Gary Walker, clinic director said when demolition began it was an emotional moment for their team.
“It was a day of celebration for us because what it was keeping our vision alive, that we’re continuing to grow, we’re continuing to add services to our hospital so that we can serve the community better,” Walker said.
Once demolition is complete, construction of the new hospital should soon follow. Walker said they plan to rebuild the hospital as it was designed with some adjustments including safety measures around natural gas lines.
