Multiple firefighters have been injured after a gas leak and building explosion in midtown Wilmington on Tuesday morning.
In statements since, Wilmington police say a vehicle struck a building’s gas line on New Centre Drive and fled the scene. The suspected hit-and-run driver is now in custody, and authorities believe impairment was a factor.
The building, which later exploded due to the gas leak, was under construction to become the new home of Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center (ECVMC) and was scheduled to open in September.
According to ECVMC’s Facebook page, all staff and construction workers were safely accounted for, and no pets were inside at the time of the explosion.
Debris from the building rained down on nearby businesses, forcing some to suspend operations and evacuate staff.
Rebekah Thurston with the Wilmington Fire Department confirmed three firefighers were injured as a result of the explosion.
“We were out here investigating, doing a primary search of the building to make sure that everyone was out of the building when there was an explosion,” said Thurston at a news conference. “Three firefighters were injured during that explosion and evacuation. They have since been taken to the hospital, two with non-life-threatening injuries and one with severe injuries, to the hands and arms.”
“At this time, the situation is active, and emergency crews are working to secure the area and ensure public safety. We are asking the public to avoid New Centre Drive and the surrounding area entirely until further notice,” stated WPD in a press release.
Working fire at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center. Media staging at Bob King Pre-Owned Truck Dealership . pic.twitter.com/RSGkNYqPV7
— WilmingtonFD (@WilmingtonFD) August 19, 2025
This is a developing story. Carolina Journal will provide updates as new information becomes available.
The post Firefighters injured after building explosion in Wilmington first appeared on Carolina Journal.
The post Firefighters injured after building explosion in Wilmington appeared first on First In Freedom Daily.
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Author: NIck Craig
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