Connected Man Arrested After Gas Explosion at Veterinary Building in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A violent explosion that rocked a veterinary clinic near New Centre Drive has led to the arrest of a Wilmington man, who now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges tied to the crash and resulting injuries.
Driver Charged After Crashing into Gas Line
Authorities arrested 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach following a chaotic incident Tuesday morning that caused a massive explosion at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral building. According to Wilmington Police, Beach’s vehicle veered off the road while attempting to turn into Bob King and slammed into the clinic at 5051 New Centre Drive, rupturing a gas line just before 11:30 a.m..
Moments later, the building exploded.
Charges Filed, Bond Set at $100,000
Beach is facing a string of charges, including:
- Felony serious injury by vehicle (DWI-related)
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving
- Failure to maintain lane
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Officers found a can of Galaxy Gas, a recreational inhalant, in Beach’s possession, and believe he was impaired at the time of the crash. He was later located near 31st and Market Street and taken into custody. He is currently being held at the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office Detention Center on a $100,000 secured bond.
Explosion Injures Firefighters and Civilian
The explosion not only leveled the veterinary building but also seriously injured one civilian, who suffered broken bones in their head and hands. Four firefighters were also hurt while responding to the scene. One firefighter sustained severe hand burns and was transported to Chapel Hill, while three others were treated and released. One of the injured firefighters fell from a ladder during the response.
Fire Chief Steve Mason confirmed that there were two explosions — the second occurring while firefighters were inside trying to evacuate the building. The second blast remains under investigation.
“We heard the mayday call come in, and those are the worst words a fire chief can hear,” said Chief Mason.
Clinic Was Weeks Away From Opening
The building that exploded was a brand-new facility set to open next month, according to Gary Walker, administrator of the veterinary clinic.
“I was like, ‘this can’t be happening.’ We were just weeks away from our grand opening,” Walker said.
Witnesses nearby described the explosion as “like being in a warzone.” Ian Cross, who was filming the response before the explosion occurred, said he watched in disbelief as “every part of it was coming down, on fire.”
Cleanup and Investigation Continue
New Centre Drive was closed throughout the day as fire crews cleaned up debris and secured the area. It was reopened around 6 p.m. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash alongside local authorities.
Residents were urged not to tie up 911 lines with non-emergency calls, as emergency services were overwhelmed with inquiries during the incident.
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