Wilmington, North Carolina.A Wilmington man has been arrested in connection with a massive explosion that shook a veterinary clinic near New Centre Drive. He is now facing numerous felony and misdemeanor charges related to the collision and injuries that resulted from it.
Driver Charged After Crashing into Gas Line
Jason Lee Beach, 46, was taken into custody by authorities after a tumultuous event Tuesday morning that resulted in a huge explosion at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral Building. Just before 11:30 a.m., Beach’s car plowed into the clinic at 5051 New Centre Drive after veering off the road while trying to turn into Bob King, according to Wilmington Police. This caused a gas line to burst.
The structure detonated moments later.
Charges Filed, Bond Set at $100,000
Beach is being charged with several offenses, such as:
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Felony serious injury by vehicle (DWI-related)
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Hit and run
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Reckless driving
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Failure to maintain lane
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Possession of drug paraphernalia
Officers suspect Beach was intoxicated at the time of the collision because they discovered an acan of Galaxy Gas, a recreational inhalant, in his hands. Later, he was found close to 31st and Market Street and arrested. He is presently being held on a $100,000 secured bond at the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
Explosion Injures Firefighters and Civilian
The veterinarian building was completely destroyed by the explosion, and one citizen was gravely hurt, suffering from shattered hands and head bones. While responding to the scene, four firefighters also suffered injuries.Three firefighters were treated and released, but one suffered severe hand burns and was sent to Chapel Hill. During the response, one of the injured firefighters fell from a ladder.
There were two explosions, according to Fire Chief Steve Mason, the second of which happened as firefighters were attempting to leave the structure. Investigations into the second explosion are still ongoing.
Chief Mason stated, “Those are the worst words a fire chief can hear when they hear the mayday call come in.”
Clinic Was Weeks Away From Opening
Gary Walker, the veterinary clinic’s administrator, stated that the building that exploded was a brand-new establishment that was scheduled to open the following month.
This can’t be happening, I thought. Walker stated that our grand opening was only a few weeks away.
Nearby witnesses compared the blast to being in a combat zone. Ian Cross, who was recording the reaction prior to the explosion, claimed to have watched in shock as every component of it collapsed, blazing.
Cleanup and Investigation Continue
As firefighters cleared away rubble and secured the scene, New Centre Drive was closed all day. It reopened at approximately 6 p.m.Together with local officials, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is currently looking into the collision.
Because emergency services were overloaded with questions during the incident, residents were advised not to overload 911 lines with non-emergency calls.
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