Malmstrom Humvee rolls over near Augusta

A Humvee from Malmstrom Air Force Base overturned early Saturday, prompting officials to divert traffic on Highway 287 near Augusta for several hours on a holiday weekend.

The rollover occurred about 6:45 a.m. at mile marker 47, north of Augusta, officials said.

One vehicle carrying two airmen was involved in the rollover, Trooper James Humiston said.

The vehicle had left the roadway, the driver overcorrected and it rolled. However, the vehicle landed in an upright position officials said.

There were some explosives inside the vehicle, Humiston said, and the and Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit from Malmstrom was called came out to take care of it, Humiston said.

Although the occupants of the vehicle had minor injuries, they were taken Benefis Health Systems, Humiston said.

The roadway was shut down for several hours and traffic was diverted around the rollover site.

One citation issued to the driver, but Humiston would not offer details on the citation.

Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston said the two airmen were en route to a missile alert facility when the rollover occurred. He said officials were not sure why the vehicle overturned, but he said the two occupants suffered minor cuts and bruises.

He said the EOP unit was dispatched because any ammunition is classified as an explosive.

Ken Nelson of Augusta said he came over the hill, shortly after the rollover happened.

"There was debris all over the road," he said, adding the Humvee was in a burrow pit with the doors angled up.

He said he saw two men carrying rifles running down the road toward the vehicle.

"I didn't know what the hell was going on, so I just kept going," he said.