Nuclear security

Silo-based nuclear missile damaged in maintenance crew ‘mishap’ – US Air Force

One of the US ballistic nuclear missiles stored in an underground launch facility in Colorado was damaged in a technical crew “mishap” during maintenance, the US Air Force has revealed after concealing the “sensitive” incident for over 20 months.

The incident, which happened on May 17, 2014 was blamed on three airmen, however the human error did not pose a risk to public safety, the Air Force told the Associated Press. Since the accident, the damaged missile was removed from its silo.

An investigation into the matter has been started by the Accident Investigation Board. However, it has not been made public as the summary offered to the AP said that the full report was classified on Nov. 9, 2015, by Gen. Robin Rand, commander of nuclear forces.