WELLS, Nev., Feb. 21, 2008

Earthquake Hits Northeast Nevada

6.0-Magnitude Quake Near Utah-Nevada Border Felt In Southern California

  • A large earthquake has struck northeast Nevada near Elko. The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008.

    A large earthquake has struck northeast Nevada near Elko. The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008.  (AP / CBS)

  • Interactive Ground Shakers

    Learn about what triggers an earthquake and get details on some of the world's worst.

(CBS/AP)  A strong earthquake rattled northeast Nevada early Thursday, causing at least one building to collapse and forcing the evacuation of a truck stop, authorities said.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.0 and was reported at 6:16 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

It was centered in a sparsely populated area 11 miles southeast of Wells near the Nevada-Utah line.

Residents in Wells report a large ammount of shaking and some trailer homes were shifted due to the quake, reports CBS News affiliate KTVN-TV in Reno.

Elko County Undersheriff Rocky Gonzalez said damage was widespread, with people reporting cracked walls and foundations. At least one building collapsed, he said, though it wasn't known what type of building.

There were no immediate reports of serious injuries, he said.

The Flying J Truck Stop was evacuated because of a propane leak, Gonzalez said.

A manager at the business said the store was a wreck, with groceries and goods scattered. One woman was reportedly injured when cigarette rack fell on her.

A man who answered the phone at Wells Elementary School said there were cracks in walls and items were displaced.

"It was pretty bad," said Jane Kelso, who answered the phone at the Motel 6. "Everything in our whole building shook.

"We have cracks in our walls."

The temblor was felt across eastern Nevada, Utah and as far away as Southern California and Boise, Idaho.

In Twin Falls, Idaho, residents reported severe shaking and items falling off shelves.

Wells is about 350 miles east of Reno on Interstate 80.


© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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by denn034 February 21, 2008 7:57 PM EST
It''s good to see that there were "no immediate reports of serious injuries." Heartfelt prayers on their behalf.
Reply to this comment
by xlib February 21, 2008 7:35 PM EST
inventagod-cite your source for your accusation.
dawniemom-who said this was a reputable site?? dan rather.

Was this anywhere near harry reid''s place? One could only hope.

Reply to this comment
by rf35 February 21, 2008 5:57 PM EST
"One woman was reportedly injured when cigarette rack fell on her."

I guess cigarettes really do kill.
Reply to this comment
by missingamerica February 21, 2008 4:35 PM EST
A fairly big shaker on one of Nevada''s faults, eh? Wonder how long it will be before one of California''s plates plays "catchup" in the endless game of tectonics...
Reply to this comment
by inventagod February 21, 2008 3:25 PM EST
That was no earthquake, that was the first Navy missile, which missed the satellite.

The third one hit the bugger...

Oh, the second one? That''s classified, but DlCK CHENEY thought he had a wargasm...
Reply to this comment
by easeup-2009 February 21, 2008 2:43 PM EST
"Please read the following and tell me who is more deranged...
http://www.indyweek.com/gyr
obase/Content?oid=oid%3A176339

Posted by kevboom at 11:20 AM : Feb 21, 2008"

A lib op/ed article. How cute.
Reply to this comment
by easeup-2009 February 21, 2008 2:02 PM EST
"I wish a earthquake would hit 1600 Penn. Ave in DC and just eat the big white building sitting on top of it... Might do the world some good

Posted by hall9504 at 10:41 AM : Feb 21, 2008"

Please google "Bush Derangement Syndrome" and seek the appropriate help.

Consider this your intervention
Reply to this comment

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