ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsShopInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnLog InStream on3 firefighters hurt after crash causes gas explosion at veterinary clinic; driver charged with DWIThe driver was also charged with hit and run and reckless driving, police said.ByDoc LouallenAugust 19, 2025, 7:26 PM1:18Debris flies through the air as smoke rises following an explosion at a building in Wilmington, N.C., on Aug. 19, 2025, in this screen grab taken from a social media video.Jordan Branyon/TMX via ReutersA hit-and-run driver crashed into a North Carolina veterinary clinic on Tuesday, causing a gas explosion that left three firefighters injured, authorities said.Jason Lee Beach, 46, was charged with felony DWI with serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane, the Wilmington Police Department said in a press release. He is being held at the New Hanover County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.Debris flies through the air as smoke rises following an explosion at a building in Wilmington, N.C., on Aug. 19, 2025, in this screen grab taken from a social media video.Jordan Branyon/TMX via ReutersThe incident began unfolding around 11 a.m. Tuesday when a vehicle struck the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center on New Centre Drive, rupturing a gas line, police said. The driver fled the scene before authorities arrived, according to police.While Wilmington firefighters were conducting a search of the building to ensure it was empty, a gas explosion occurred. Three firefighters were injured in the blast, with one sustaining severe burns to the hands and arms.MORE: Search on for suspect who stabbed ranger in state park near Denver: PoliceThe other two firefighters suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. All three were taken to a local hospital, officials said.Debris flies through the air as smoke rises following an explosion at a building in Wilmington, N.C., on Aug. 19, 2025, in this screen grab taken from a social media video.Jordan Branyon/TMX via ReutersNo civilians were inside the building at the time of the explosion. Fire crews later secured the gas leak and brought the fire under control, according to authorities.Popular ReadsColorado police suspect park ranger stabbing was targeted: Police2 hours agoAuthorities reveal disturbing new details from crime scene where 3 girls were killedAug 19, 5:15 PMMan who admitted shipping weapons to North Korea is sentenced to 8 years in prisonAug 19, 1:28 PMPolice located and arrested Beach, who had allegedly fled the scene after the initial crash.Sponsored Content by TaboolaPopular ReadsExplosion on cargo ship closes Baltimore shipping channel near bridge collapse siteAug 19, 11:11 AMAuthorities reveal disturbing new details from crime scene where 3 girls were killedAug 19, 5:15 PMMan who admitted shipping weapons to North Korea is sentenced to 8 years in prisonAug 19, 1:28 PMColorado police suspect park ranger stabbing was targeted: Police2 hours agoABC News Live24/7 coverage of breaking news and live eventsABC News NetworkPrivacy PolicyYour US State Privacy RightsChildren's Online Privacy PolicyInterest-Based AdsAbout Nielsen MeasurementTerms of UseDo Not Sell or Share My Personal InformationContact Us © 2025 ABC News, A hit-and-run driver crashed into a North Carolina veterinary clinic on Tuesday, causing a gas explosion that left three firefighters injured, authorities said., Gas line explosion at North Carolina veterinary office caught on camera, sending at least three firefighters to hospital after hit-and-run driver ruptures line and flees the scene..