What are the Consequences of Crashing Into a Building During a DWI in North Carolina?

While crashing your vehicle while drunk always presents the possibility of legal penalties, these penalties may be particularly severe if you crashed into a building. Aggravating circumstances for North Carolina DWIs include property damage, injuries, and death – all of which can occur after someone crashes their vehicle into a building while intoxicated. If you face consequences for this type of offense, you might want to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. 

Drunk Driver Causes Massive Explosion After Crashing into North Carolina Veterinary Hospital

In August of 2025, an alleged drunk driver made headline news after crashing into a veterinary hospital. As he smashed into the structure, he hit a gas line before fleeing the scene. Flammable gas escaped and filled the area before firefighters arrived. Just as firefighters were searching the damaged structure for potential victims, the gas ignited – and a massive explosion occurred. The incident was caught by nearby surveillance cameras, and the footage quickly went viral due to the magnitude of the blast. 

Officials say that three of the firefighters were injured by the detonation, with one first responder suffering “severe burns to the hands and arms.” The other two firefighters were hospitalized with unspecified but non-life-threatening injuries. 

As this was occurring, police were attempting to track down the DWI defendant, which they did. This individual now faces charges of DWI causing serious injury, fleeing the scene of an accident, and drug paraphernalia possession. He also faces traffic citations for failing to stay in his lane. It is unclear which substance the man was using, if any. 

Man Faces DWI Charges After Crashing Into North Carolina Church

A similar incident in August saw an allegedly drunk driver crash into a North Carolina church. The incident caused “significant damage” to the church, and first responders arrived to find the driver with minor injuries. After treating the driver, first responders began investigating the incident. They concluded that the driver had veered across the center line before leaving the road and impacting a utility pole. His vehicle then smashed into the nearby church. 

This individual now faces charges of DWI, driving on a revoked license, and reckless driving. Investigators seem confident about this man’s impairment, although it is not clear whether the defendant has consented to a blood test or breath test. 

These two incidents highlight how serious the consequences can be if you crash into a building while intoxicated. The consequences depend on the amount of damage you cause, whether you flee the scene, and whether you cause injuries to people inside the building. 

Can a DWI Defense Attorney in North Carolina Help if I Crashed into a Building?

If you crashed into a building while intoxicated, a DWI defense attorney in North Carolina may be able to help. With legal assistance, it may be possible to explore various DWI defense strategies. These strategies could mitigate or even eliminate your legal consequences. To learn more, contact Coustal South Law today.