WILMINGTON, N.C. (NEXSTAR/WBTW) – The motorist believed to be responsible for a series of events that culminated in the explosion of a building in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been charged in connection with the incident.
Jason Lee Branch, 46, has been charged with driving while intoxicated (felony serious injury) as well as possession of drug paraphernalia, hit-and-run/leaving the scene of the accident, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane, the Wilmington Police Department announced.
“He is currently being held under a $100,000 secured bond at the NHSO Detention Center,” officials wrote in a Facebook update on Tuesday evening.
The explosion took place Tuesday a little after 11 a.m. at the offices of the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, the Wilmington Fire Department had previously announced. The blast occurred after a car struck and ruptured the gas lines feeding the building, officials said.
‘Like an apocalypse’: Lightning strike, blast captured on camera in South Carolina
Footage captured by a bystander shows a tower of smoke and debris billowing into the sky after the explosion. A large amount of debris — some of it flaming — is seen falling back to the ground…