Published on August 21, 2025
Five firefighters were injured during a gas explosion at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center off New Centre Dr. in Wilmington, NC. All were taken to the hospital. Four of the firefighters were treated at Novant Medical Center and were released the same day. A fifth firefighter received second- and third-degree burns to his hands and arms and was transferred to the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill, where he underwent surgery on Wednesday.
The incident came in as a gas leak just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, when a car hit the building, rupturing a gas line. Wilmington Firefighters were doing a primary search inside the building to ensure it was empty when there was an explosion. Thankfully, no civilians were inside at the time of the explosion. The firefighters called a MAYDAY and, within minutes, were able to extricate themselves from the building. After a couple of hours, the gas was secured, and the fire was brought under control. The fire was determined to have been caused by the vehicle crashing into the gas line, filling the building with gas.
The Wilmington Fire Department is grateful for the community’s outpouring of support following the incident. Please continue to keep these brave firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as they continue their recovery.