Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

8 injured at Nellis AFB when aircraft shelters collapse in windstorm

Updated Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 | 10:07 p.m.

Map of Nellis AFB

Nellis AFB

Las Vegas

Eight military personnel suffered minor injuries when a set of aircraft shelters collapsed during a severe windstorm at about 5 p.m. Thursday, officials at Nellis Air Force Base said.

The injured were taken to the Mike O’ Callaghan Federal Hospital for treatment. Most have been released, an Air Force official said.

The Air Force was assessing the extent of damage at the base, including any damage to aircraft.

According to the National Weather Service, 67 mph winds hit the base at 5:01 p.m.

The weather service described the event as a microburst, a strong, localized downburst. A microburst can cause damaging winds up to 168 mph and can last from five to 15 minutes, according to the weather service.

The Air Force said the collapse is under investigation. No additional details were immediately available.

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