Additional Coverage:
- Fiery multi-car pileup inside quarter-mile mountain tunnel leaves at least 2 dead, several injured (foxnews.com)
Tragedy struck on Interstate 80 in Wyoming Friday morning when a fiery multi-vehicle collision inside the Green River Tunnel left at least two people dead and five injured.
Smoke and flames billowed from the tunnel as people fled the scene. Concerns have been raised about the tunnel’s structural integrity following the intense blaze.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has dispatched geologists and engineers to assess the damage.
The crash occurred around 11:37 a.m. in the westbound lanes, igniting a fire within the tunnel. According to Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Warren, thick smoke and an exploding tire hampered initial rescue efforts.
WYDOT Director Darin Westby expressed condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, adding that WYDOT and the Highway Patrol are on-site assisting emergency responders and managing traffic.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Col.
Karl Germain also offered condolences and thanked Sweetwater County first responders. He cautioned drivers to observe speed limits in the detour area and anticipate delays.
As of Friday evening, I-80 remained closed in both directions, with the eastbound tunnel lanes serving as a staging area for first responders.