North Carolina Hit-and-Run Sparks Gas Explosion Injuring Firefighters

A gas line explosion in Wilmington, North Carolina, caused by a hit-and-run driver crashing into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center under construction, injured three to four firefighters and destroyed the building. The explosion occurred approximately 20 minutes after the vehicle ruptured the gas line, while firefighters were inside searching for people. Two firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and a third suffered severe burns; reports vary on whether a fourth firefighter was injured. The driver, identified as 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach, fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses including felony driving while impaired and hit-and-run. The veterinary center, which was set to open soon, confirmed its other location remains operational. Local police, fire departments, and federal partners are investigating the incident.