Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Helen Coffey
Friday 25 October 2019 10:51 BST
Comments
Strong winds smash jet bridge into vehicles at Memphis International Airport

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.

Monday 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.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

“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.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in