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Man Charged After Allegedly Crashing Car Into Gas Line, Causing Gigantic Explosion By Charna Flam

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Man Charged After Allegedly Crashing Car Into Gas Line, Causing Gigantic Explosion By Charna Flam

NEED TO KNOW

  • A man crashed into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center’s gas lines on Tuesday, Aug. 19
  • The collision caused a huge explosion 20 minutes later, and injured three firefighters
  • The driver, Jason Lee Beach, 46, was arrested on five counts, including DWI-felony serious injury and hit and run/leave scene

A man who was allegedly driving under the influence drove into a building’s gas line, causing a massive explosion in Wilmington, N.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

At around 11 a.m., Jason Lee Beach attempted to turn before he went off the road and plowed directly into Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, the Wilmington Police Department said. He then hit the veterinarian’s building’s gas line, which caused an explosion 20 minutes later, Wilmington Police Department spokesperson Greg Willett said in a news conference, per the Associated Press.

Beach allegedly attempted to flee on foot before authorities took him into custody.

Beach, 46, was arrested for DWI-felony serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run/leave scene, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. Beach is currently being held at the NHSO Detention Center under a $100,000 bond, the Wilmington Police Department said in a news release.

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Wilmington firefighters were on site conducting a primary search when the explosion occurred. They had to call a MAYDAY during their response, Wilmington Fire Department representative Rebekah Thurston said during a press conference.

“It’s scary, but this is what we train for every day,” Thurston said.

Three people were injured and transported to the hospital. One person suffered severe burns to their head and hands, while the two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have been discharged.

The gas was secured, and the fire is under investigation. 

The veterinary facility, which planned to offer 24/7 emergency care for pets, was closed and expected to open in September, according to its website. 

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The Wilmington Fire Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Tuesday.

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