A fiery explosion sent shockwaves across Wilmington, North Carolina, Tuesday morning after a car veered off the road and slammed into a gas line, triggering a massive blast that rocked the city.
Staggering video captured the moment a towering plume of smoke shot into the air from New Centre Drive at around 11:30 a.m., according to the New York Post.
The chaos unfolded after a vehicle lost control during a turn and crashed into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, roughly 7 miles from downtown Wilmington and the city’s famed Riverwalk.
As the blast tore through the area, debris rained down over several blocks, sending stunned bystanders running for cover.
“It remains unclear if the impact of the car caused the explosion, or the gas line burst later.”
First responders rushed into the chaos, but the danger was far from over. Three firefighters suffered severe burns to their hands, according to WECT, as they battled the aftermath of the explosion.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, but authorities quickly apprehended the suspect. As of now, “no charges have been announced yet,” StarNews Online reported.
While investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the explosion, the damage is undeniable — and residents are shaken. The terrifying event has ignited fresh concerns about public safety, infrastructure vulnerability, and the readiness of first responders in the face of urban disasters.
The scene remained active well into the afternoon as fire crews worked to secure the area and prevent any further ignition from the ruptured gas line.
More updates are expected as authorities piece together what led to the explosion — and why someone fled from a scene that could’ve turned fatal.
