Explosion sends debris flying causing widespread damage
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The massive explosion at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center Tuesday sent debris flying that damaged nearby businesses.
Following a crash that caused a gas leak, Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center exploded leaving behind extensive damage to their building and neighboring properties.
At Bob King Buick GMC next door, Jordan Branyon says numerous vehicles were damaged.
“Maybe 20, if I had to guess. Pre-owned side faired really well. New car side here right on the building, we’ve definitely got some that are going to be total losses,” Branyon said.
The dealership is waiting on insurance adjusters to assess the damage.
“Getting them on a lift and inspecting them once the insurance adjustor gets here as well to see if there’s any damage underneath the vehicles also. Things that you can’t see to the naked eye,” Branyon said.
Back at the medical center, administrator Gary Walker says engineers need to make sure the building is structurally sound before anyone can go inside to assess the damage.
“Then there’s going to be that overall assessment of where do we go from here. Is it going to be a tear down and a rebuild? Can we restructure what we got,” Walker questioned.
The facility was supposed to be the first in Wilmington to offer pet MRI services.
“A little bit of damage on the roof but not inside of the MRI. Our goal is to have it back in the next month or two,” Walker explained.
Despite many unknowns, Walker says they are weighing their options.
“Communicating with the doctors to give them an updated status of where we are with the hospital. We are looking at the old hospital and potentially even bringing in some satellite offices to put into our parking lot so they can set up shop and continue to provide care,” Walker shared.
And through the smoke, their vision remains clear.
“Our goal is to continue with our current vision of bringing that next level of veterinarian health care to Wilmington,” Walker said.
Walker appreciates the overwhelming support of the community through this challenging time.
