The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Jetbridge weighing several tonnes slams into vehicles at Memphis Airport during storm
Video shows the bridge crashing across the tarmac
Strong storm winds in Memphis, Tennessee, blew a jetbridge weighing several tonnes across the tarmac at the airport.
The bridge collided with other vehicles on the airfield in the process.
The incident was caught on Memphis Airport’s CCTV, which demonstrated the sheer power of the storm in dramatic fashion.
Sharing the footage on social media, the airport tweeted: “Check out this surveillance video from Gate A27 at MEM during Monday’s tornadic storm: That’s a jet bridge weighing several *tons* being blown into the side of a concourse.”
Memphis Airport clarified that no one was injured in the incident, which took place at 6.34am.
Typhoon Hagibis - Japan hit by strongest storm in 60 years
Show all 30Monday saw a tornado touch down in Southeast Memphis, causing power outages, school closures and damage to trees, cars, homes and businesses.
It was classed as an EF1 tornado, according to the National Weather Service, which is described as having the ability to cause moderate damage to structures and trees.
The tornado reached an estimated peak wind speed of 105mph and moved 1.4 miles, with a width of about 180m.
It’s not the first time weather has caused havoc at the airport.
Last week, Prince William and Kate’s flight to Islamabad in Pakistan was forced to abort landing twice and turn back to Lahore after thunderstorms caused severe turbulence.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were flying to the Pakistan capital on a Royal Air Force aircraft as part of their four-day official tour of the country when the incident occurred.
Footage taken onboard the flight shows members of the press who were travelling on the plane gripping their seats and laughing nervously as the plane shakes.
“Other journalists and reporters could see lightning and storms out of the window as the plane bounced around,” said Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills.
“I have flown a lot, especially on royal tours, but never experienced turbulence like it.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies