Gas Line Collision Triggers Explosion at Veterinary Clinic Under Construction

In Wilmington, North Carolina, an under-construction veterinary facility was rocked by an explosion on Tuesday morning due to a vehicle crashing into a nearby gas meter, officials reported.

Approximately 20 minutes prior to the detonation, a vehicle veered off course and struck the gas supply serving the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, according to Wilmington Police Department representative Greg Willett during a media briefing. The driver departed the scene before law enforcement's arrival, which classifies the incident as a hit and run, Willett noted.

Emergency personnel had quickly evacuated the facility; however, as firefighters were confirming the building was empty of occupants, the explosion occurred. Wilmington Fire Department spokesperson Rebekah Thurston mentioned at the briefing that three firefighters sustained injuries, with two treated for minor injuries and one suffering significant burns on limbs, requiring hospital care.

According to an update on social media by Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral, there were no casualties amongst the veterinary staff, construction workers, or animals due to the blast.

Law enforcement later located the vehicle involved along with the driver, who was subsequently detained. The individual is currently undergoing evaluation by the North Carolina Highway Patrol for signs of driving under the influence, as stated by Willett.

Officials have announced that the area, including nearby roadways, will remain inaccessible while the fire department concludes the investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral had been preparing to open the new center in September, intending to provide around-the-clock emergency services for animals.