Explosion Rocks New Veterinary Hospital After Gas Meter Crash

In a dramatic turn of events, a newly constructed veterinary hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina, was rocked by an explosion on Tuesday morning after an errant vehicle collided with a gas meter, officials reported.

The Wilmington Police Department confirmed that the incident began when a car veered off course and struck gas lines feeding the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Centre, which was still awaiting its scheduled opening. The driver fled the scene after the collision, leading authorities on a search.

Firefighters were surveying the hospital to ensure a safe evacuation when the building unexpectedly exploded, resulting in three firefighter injuries. Law enforcement located the runaway vehicle and driver, who is now under investigation for potential impairment. The area will remain sealed off as inquiries continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)