...
By Hollie Silverman
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
One person was taken into custody after driving into a natural gas line, igniting a fire and explosion at a North Carolina veterinary clinic that injured three firefighters, authorities said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
The driver allegedly showed signs of impairment, Lieutenant Greg Willett, public information officer for the Wilmington Police Department, told reporters.
One firefighter had severe burns on their arms and hands while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Rebekah Thurston, public information officer for the Wilmington Fire Department, said during the news conference.
Read More on U.S.
Multiple firefighters and police officers responded to the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral in Wilmington after the collision and subsequent explosion and fire was reported.
Images posted on social media show thick, black smoke billowing into the sky as emergency responders work to contain the blaze.
During the news conference, a large debris field could be seen across the area.
Newsweek reached out to the city of Wilmington and Eastern Carolina clinic via email for comment.
The Context
Willett said a driver was turning onto a road, strayed from it and crashed into the building, rupturing a natural gas line—and left the scene in the vehicle before being found afterward.
Firefighters and police were responding to the gas leak when the explosion and fire occurred about 20 minutes later.
What To Know
A call came in for a crash at the veterinary clinic on New Centre Drive in Wilmington a little after 11 a.m. ET Tuesday, Thurston said.
While emergency responders were on the scene, evacuating construction workers due to the gas leak, there was an explosion hurtling debris hundreds of feet in the air, video shows. It also sparked a dangerous fire.
Firefighters had to call a MAYDAY during their response, Thurston told reporters during the news conference, adding that while it is rare, it is what they prepare for.
"It's scary, but this is what we train for every day," Thurston said, adding that one firefighter suffered "some pretty severe burns."
...
Two other firefighters also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, she said.
Willett said that the driver and vehicle were found later and that "there was evidence that would lead one to believe that the driver was impaired."
The clinic's website says the Centre Drive location is not scheduled to open until September.
The facility recently announced a new name and location on its website, stating, "Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral is excited to announce a new chapter in our journey."
"'Veterinary Medical Center' captures the depth, collaboration, and innovation at the core of our mission," the website read, adding "Our name and location may be changing—but our commitment to pets, their families, and our veterinary community remains as strong as ever!"
What People Are Saying
Willett said during the news conference Tuesday afternoon: "This is an extensive manpower operation, so this is a perfect case of point of all different agencies from all different spectrum of public safety and public service, helping us out with that."
Thurston added at the news conference: "A building this size definitely presents more challenges. You need more manpower. You need more resources, and so I'm fortunate to have partners like New Hanover County Fire and EMS to be able to be here and show some real force against this."
What Happens Next
Emergency responders remain on the scene hitting hot spots, while the fire department and investigators continue probing the fire.
It is unclear if the driver will face any charges at this time or if the opening of the clinic will be delayed.
Update 8/19/25, 4:15 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines