WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police Department have brought forth multiple charges against a 46-year-old man connected to a traffic crash that led to a gas line rupturing and an explosion along New Centre Drive Tuesday.
READ MORE: Video: Explosion near New Centre Drive injures 3 firefighters, evacuates area business
Jason Lee Beach of Wilmington has been charged with:
- DWI-Felony Serious Injury
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Hit and Run/Leave Scene
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Maintain Lane
Beach was making a turn onto New Centre Drive from Bob King Drive when he hit a natural gas line and fled the scene. Firefighters responded to the gas leak and conducted a primary search to ensure Eastern Carolina Medical Veterinary Center was empty when the explosion occurred. The roof blew off the building and the vet clinic caught fire.
Three firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital, two with non-life-threatening injuries and one with severe burns to the hands and arms. According to Beach’s arrest records, the incident also left the severely hurt firefighter with a broken bone.
Under the arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia, it lists a canister of Galaxy Gas in Beach’s possession.
Beach is currently being held under a $100,000 secured bond at the NHSO Detention Center. According to eCourts documents, he will have his first hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at New Hanover County Courthouse.
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