An explosion has destroyed most of a building in Wilmington. The incident happened just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 on New Centre Drive. A loud boom could be heard around nearby places as smoke billowed from the building. The building was in the midst of renovations to become the new location for Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral.

The city of Wilmington has appointed Ryan Zuidema as its new police chief following a months-long nationwide search, following a unanimous vote by the Wilmington City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Zuidema has worked with the Lynchburg, Virginia, police department since 1997 and was appointed Lynchburg's police chief in 2018.

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The City of Wilmington has unanimously appointed Ryan Zuidema as the new police chief. The position has been filled after the retirement of Chief Donny Williams on June 27. 45 people applied for the position, but Mayor Bill Saffo says they were looking for certain qualities.

The Wilmington Police Department has arrested a man in connection to a gas explosion. Jason Beach, 46, has been charged with DWI-felony serious injury, hit and run/leave scene, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane. Authorities say a car hit the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral building and ruptured a gas line.

A man has been charged following an explosion that injured multiple first responders in Wilmington. Jason Lee Beach, 46, of Wilmington, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, felony serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run/leaving the scene, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane.

Terminations and reviews linked to the Trump administration's DOGE have hit the Wilmington area this year, including Cape Fear Memorial Bridge funds.

A former softball coach from Wilmington is facing several charges after being accused of secretly recording adults and minors.

Jason Lee Beach, 46, was arrested after crashing into a gas line in Wilmington, triggering a building explosion that injured three firefighters. He faces multiple charges, including DWI and felony injury.