Man Charged After Car Crash Causes Wilmington Vet Clinic Explosion, Injures Firefighters

Jason Lee Beach, 46, was arrested in Wilmington, North Carolina, after crashing his vehicle into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center's gas line, causing a massive explosion. The incident occurred as Beach, allegedly driving while intoxicated, attempted to turn onto New Centre Drive from Bob King Drive, went off the road, and hit the gas line feeding the veterinary clinic. Following the crash, Beach fled the scene but was quickly apprehended and charged with multiple offenses including felony DWI with serious injury, hit and run, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to maintain lane. Three firefighters were injured during the explosion while conducting a primary search of the building, with one suffering severe burns to the hands and arms, and the other two sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. No civilians were inside the building at the time of the blast, which caused significant structural damage, including the roof blowing off. The fire was contained by evening, and New Centre Drive was reopened after cleanup and securing of the gas line.