A North Carolina veterinarian’s office went up in flames after a car crashed into the building, sparking a gas explosion that injured three firefighters.
Wilmington Police said an ‘impaired’ driver struck the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral, located at 5051 New Centre Drive, around 11.30am ET on Tuesday.
The car hit the gas line to the building on impact, causing an explosion that went off 20 minutes later and injured three firefighters.
Authorities were already on scene due to the crash and were able to evacuate the building before it burst into flames.
The vet’s office was under construction and set to open in September, according to its website.
‘Shortly before the explosion, probably about 20 minutes or so before the explosion, WPD responded to the scene here for a vehicle that had turned onto New Center Drive from Bob King Drive and went off the road behind us here and struck the gas lines feeding the building that ultimately exploded,’ a police spokesperson said.
‘When officers arrived, the vehicle was gone, so it was a hit and run. We were able to locate that vehicle a short time later.
‘There were signs of impairment on the driver. There was evidence that would lead one to believe that the driver was impaired. We do have that person in custody.’
The Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral went up in flames Tuesday after a car crash caused a gas explosion
The car hit the gas line to the building on impact, causing an explosion that sent massive clouds of black smoke into the air
The hospital administrator was in attendance at the press conference and confirmed there was only a construction crew working on the site.
‘There were some construction people. There were no actual hospital employees there,’ he said.
Footage from the scene showed plumes of black smoke rising from the building as debris scattered across the road.
The Wilmington Fire Department spokesperson explained that the injured firefighters were inside the building at the time to confirm it had been evacuated.
‘There had been an accident where a vehicle struck a gas meter. We were out here investigating, doing a primary search of the building to make sure that everyone was out of the building when there was an explosion. There were no civilians inside, only fire personnel,’ she said.
‘Three firefighters were injured during that explosion and evacuation. They have since been taken to the hospital, two with non-life-threatening injuries and one with severe injuries to the hands, burn injuries to the hands and arms.’
Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral put out a statement confirming their staff and construction crew are safe, but they are still gathering information about the incident.
‘As many in our community have already heard, a fire broke out earlier this morning at our new building that is under construction on New Centre Drive,’ the clinic said.
Debris from the building was scattered across the street. The building had been evacuated, but three firefighters were injured while battling the blaze
The vet’s office is not open yet and only members of the construction crew were at the building during the incident
‘Emergency crews are actively working to control the fire, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing efforts and bravery.
‘At this time, we are still gathering details and assessing the situation. We will share more information as soon as possible. We are grateful to report that the ECVMC staff and construction team are accounted for and safe.
‘Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and support. Your kindness and care remind us why this community is so special.’
