Strong Wind — Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

2015-05-24 · Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

Event narrative

Cherry picker crane carrying several individuals at Cochiti Road and Dorothy Street was toppled by an erratic outflow wind gust between 30 and 40 mph. The crane operator and one child were killed on the scene. Three others were injured. One of the injured children died several days later in the hospital.

Wider weather episode

The wet May pattern continued as yet another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms developed over central New Mexico. This activity produced gusty and erratic outflow winds along with heavy rain and small hail across the Albuquerque Metro Area during the afternoon hours. An unsecured cherry picker crane positioned atop a flat bed truck was toppled by an outflow wind gusts estimated at 30 to 40 mph. The operator of the crane and one child were killed in the accident and several other injuries were reported. A second child passed away from the incident several days later while receiving treatment in the hospital.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 567913. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.