One person was taken into custody Tuesday after driving into a natural gas line, causing a fire and explosion at a North Carolina veterinary clinic that injured three firefighters, according to local news outlet WWAY
The driver allegedly showed signs of impairment, WWAY reported.
One firefighter had severe burns on their arms and hands while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the report said.
Multiple firefighters and police officers are responding to a fire after an explosion was reported at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral in Wilmington on Tuesday afternoon.
Images posted on social media show thick, black smoke billowing into the sky as emergency responders work to contain the blaze.
Newsweek reached out to the City of Wilmington and the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center via email for comment.
The Context
According to local news station WECT, a driver was turning onto a road when they left the roadway and crashed into the building. A natural gas line ruptured as a result of a traffic crash in the area, according to a post on X from New Hanover County.
“Most of New Centre Dr. is shut down to traffic,” the post said, adding that people should avoid the area as emergency crews respond to the scene.
What To Know
A call came in for the fire at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center on New Centre Drive in Wilmington around 11:30 a.m. ET, according to local news outlet WWAY.
The Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center website says the Centre Dr. 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
New Hanover County, on X on Tuesday: “Traffic alert from@WilmingtonPD: Avoid New Centre Dr. WPD and WFD are currently on the scene of a traffic crash in the area. A natural gas line has ruptured. Most of New Centre Dr. is shut down to traffic. We will post again when area is clear or with relevant updates.”
Wilmington Fire Department, on X on Tuesday: “Working fire at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center. Media staging at Bob King Pre-Owned Truck Dealership.”
Wilmington Police Department, on Facebook on Tuesday: “The Wilmington Police Department and Wilmington Fire Department are currently on scene responding to an explosion in the area of New Centre Drive. 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.”
What Happens Next
Emergency responders remain on the scene.
It is unclear if the opening of the new location will be delayed as a result of the explosion and fire.
Update 8/19/25, 12:30 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
