Driver charged in crash, explosion receives $1m bond after court appearance

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man charged in connection with a car crash and explosion that injured five firefighters made his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Jason Lee Beach, 46, has been charged with felony DWI serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run/leaving the scene, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane, according to officials.

During the Wednesday afternoon hearing, a public defender was appointed to represent Beach. Prosecutors said he was allegedly under the influence of nitrous oxide–also known as “whippets”–at the time of the crash.

Judge set Beach’s bond at $1 million secured and ordered that he not drive if released. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. in courtroom 302.

The charges stem from a gas explosion Tuesday at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center on New Centre Drive. The Wilmington Fire Department said crews first responded to a report of a gas leak just after 11 a.m. Investigators said a vehicle struck the building and ruptured a gas line, leading to the explosion.

Firefighters were conducting a primary search of the building to make sure no one was inside when the blast occurred. No civilians were hurt, but five firefighters were injured. Four were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while another suffered severe burns to his hands and arms. That firefighter has been transported to the burn unit at Chapel Hill.

On Wednesday, Wilmington Fire Department announced that firefighter underwent surgery, and is in stable condition.

“All things being considered, he was in good spirits. His wife was there, his brother was there, his parents were up there as well too. So, we have a lot of folks involved, and those that also were released last night, we’ve been staying in constant contact with them,” Deputy Chief Derek Mickler with WFD said.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new details emerge.