UPDATE: Burned F.E. Warren AFB Humvee Cleared From Highway
APRIL 15 UPDATE:
An F.E. Warren Air Force Base Humvee that was destroyed in a Monday fire north of Kimball, Nebraska has been cleared off the highway, the base announced Friday.
"Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the structural integrity of the severely burned vehicle, airmen will convoy the vehicle back to base to ensure the safety of those on the roadway," the base said in a press release.
The base says drivers on westbound Interstate 80 between Kimball and Cheyenne may notice minor delays.
ORIGINAL STORY:
No Injuries Reported After F.E. Warren AFB Humvee Carrying Grenades Catches Fire
Fortunately, no injuries were reported after an F.E. Warren Air Force Base Humvee with grenades on board caught fire Monday afternoon.
The incident happened near milepost 23 on Nebraska Highway 71 north of Kimball.
According to the base, security forces airmen from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron were traveling down the highway when they noticed their Humvee was on fire.
The airmen were able to safely exit the burning Humvee but, due to the intensity of the flames, they were unable to remove ammunition, including 40 mm grenades, from the vehicle.
"The airmen quickly contacted local emergency responders and established a safety cordon," the base said in a press release.
"Kimball County emergency officials extinguished the flames from the vehicle and nearby grass and field areas," the base added.
In the interest of public safety, the Nebraska State Patrol has closed the highway.
The base says airmen are still on the scene securing the vehicle and a team from the 90th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight will conduct a series of controlled detonations tomorrow, April 12, to render the scene safe.
"The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and the incident is under investigation," the base said.