Explosion at East Carolina Veterinary Medical Center Following Hit-and-Run

Early Tuesday morning, a hit-and-run incident resulted in a gas leak explosion at the East Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, leaving three firefighters injured.

Two firefighters from Wilmington, North Carolina sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, while another firefighter suffered burns to his hand and arm. “The vehicle struck the building and ruptured the gas line,” explained a spokesperson. “The firefighters were conducting a thorough search of the premises to ensure no one was trapped inside, and thankfully, there were no civilians present at the time of the explosion.”

Wilmington Police reported that they located the driver, who displayed signs of a disability, and apprehended him. “While the firefighters were addressing the gas leak, our officers were on site investigating the hit-and-run, when another officer discovered the vehicle and its driver,” a police spokesperson stated.

The driver is currently awaiting charges. “The officer found indications of a disability in the vehicle, and the driver exhibited signs of impairment and was taken into custody,” the spokesperson added, noting that authorities are still working on the case.

This facility was the new location for the veterinary center, which was set to open in September.