6.0 Earthquake Rocks Wells, Nevada

February 21, 2008 - At approximately 6:15 am PST, an earthquake rocked Northern Nevada, being felt as far away as Salt Lake City, Utah and Pocatello, Idaho. Early reports by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center indicate that it was measured as a 6.0 on the Richter scale. 40 minutes later a 4.0 aftershock was recorded.

Witnesses near the epicenter, near Wells, Nevada have reported significant damage including a collapsed building. Dennis Willis, a Nevada resident living 30 miles West of Wells reported, "There were several collapsed buildings, fires and propane problems." There were no personal injuries reported at this time.

The El Rancho Hotel and Casino is where the transition from the frontier outpost to the more modern looking casinos and businesses. During the earthquake, the front of the El Rancho fell and smashed on June O'Neal's car.

Brian McKnight stated, "It looks like a bomb went off." Emergency crews are urging citizens to evacuate the downtown historic section of Wells. There are several damaged buildings and gas leaks that have not yet been secured.

Wells, Nevada is located on the Interstate 80 corridor, running East-West through Northern Nevada. Josie Hansen who lives 7 miles outside of Wells had just moved to Wells from Southern California. She reported that she awoke to a shaking house and that it was significant enough to splash water out of their toilets. She also reported that the local reports there indicate that at least one historical building in the area had collapsed.

The town of Wells, Nevada was founded in 1869 by the Central Pacific Railroad and is the hub for the I-80 and I-93 intersection. A hub for travelers destined for many locations throughout the West, Wells has been nicknamed the "crossroads of the West" by many. The residents of Wells have maintained an "Old West" feeling, maintaining approximately 18 historic buildings including "The Western Saloon", "Toombs Garage" and "The Bullshead & Wells Hotel".

The USGS website has reported several aftershock earthquakes. The 6.3 earthquake was felt by thousands throughout the West. Witnesses report that the seismic event ran cars off the road as far as Elko, Nevada and Boise, Idaho.

Mayor Rusty Tybo, the mayor of Wells, Nevada has stated that he would like to reassure the residence that the city is doing everything they can to get the town "back to normal". Most city government buildings including schools would be closed today.