Explosion Injures Four Firefighters, Closes New Centre Drive Wilmington

Emergency responders in Wilmington are managing the aftermath of a gas line explosion caused by a car crashing into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral building on New Centre Drive. The crash occurred when a driver, believed to be impaired, went off the road and hit the gas line, leading to a fire that injured three firefighters, one of whom suffered severe burns to their hands. The driver fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by police. New Centre Drive remains closed as authorities work to secure the area and ensure public safety. The veterinary center, which was set to open its new location next month, is being evacuated, and emergency officials have urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from calling 911 to keep lines open for emergency communication. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.