Five firefighters injured responding to building explosion UPDATE

UPDATE (4:46 p.m.): Five firefighters have suffered injuries, and Wilmington Police have arrested a man for the incident.

46-year-old Jason Lee Beach of Wilmington 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 NHSO Detention Center. 

ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Three firefighters were injured while responding to a building explosion on New Centre Dr. on Tuesday.

According to officials, a vehicle turned from New Center Dr. onto Bob King Dr. The vehicle hit gas lines and drove off. It caused an explosion at East Carolina Veterinary Medical Center.

“Doing a primary search of the building to make sure everyone was out of the building. when there was an explosion. There were no civilians inside only fire personnel,” Rebekah Thurston with the Wilmington Fire Department said.

She went on to add, “We did call a mayday after the explosion. So, they were able to extricate out of the building after that.” 

Police say that the vehicle and driver were located, and the driver had signs of impairment. The driver is now in custody.

“There were signs of impairment on the driver, there was evidence that would lead anyone to believe the driver was impaired,” Lieutenant Greg Willett with the Wilmington Police Department said. 

After the explosion, three firefighters from the Wilmington Fire Department were injured while fighting the resulting blaze. Two had non-life threating injuries and one firefighter had severe burn injuries on their hands and arms.

There were no people inside the building when the explosion occurred.

Lieutenant Greg Willett says he watched firefighters’ step into action without hesitation. 

“We have the most professional fire department I have ever seen in my adult life here. When I arrived here, it was after the explosion. Just watching these men and woman in the fire department work and do their thing. There was no confusion, no chaos, they were taking care of business,” Lt. Willett added.

According to its website, the veterinary center was scheduled to open in September after moving from its former location on Greenville Avenue.

Most of New Centre drive was shut down to traffic as of 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.

WWAY has a crew on the scene and will bring you more details as they become available.