A quiet Friday morning turned into chaos when a fiery crash erupted inside a tunnel on Interstate 80 in southwestern Wyoming. The disaster claimed at least two lives and left five others with severe injuries. Authorities were forced to shut down the highway completely.
Deadly chain reaction in Wyoming tunnel
A massive pileup involving multiple semi-trucks and cars triggered the catastrophe. Thick black smoke poured from both ends of the quarter-mile tunnel, visible for miles over Green River. The disaster unfolded in a matter of moments, leaving drivers with no escape.
Rescuers struggle against smoke and fire
Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Warren described a terrifying scene. Exploding tires and dense smoke made entering the tunnel nearly impossible. The westbound tube of the twin tunnel was engulfed in flames, forcing officials to close both directions of the highway. By late afternoon, authorities still had no timeline for reopening the road.
First responders blocked by intense flames
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the fire was too intense. Even by 3 p.m., responders could not reach the wreckage. The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the structural integrity of the tunnel was compromised. Concrete was crumbling, and searing heat turned the area into a death trap.
Survivors had only one option—run. Trapped inside the tunnel, they stumbled through toxic smoke, struggling to find their way out. With zero visibility, many barely made it to safety.
Exploding transformers worsen the disaster
Authorities believe a tractor-trailer carrying transformers was involved. The transformers exploded, intensifying the blaze. “There’s nothing else we can do right now,” said Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jason Mower. “The fire and the tunnel’s stability are major concerns.”
Residents witness a scene from a disaster movie
Longtime Green River residents were horrified. “We felt huge explosions for 30 to 45 minutes,” said Alyssa Brewer. She and her family were just 200 yards away when the crash happened. EMTs rushed in on foot, unable to get ambulances through the flames.
Another resident, Jennifer Lynn Carr, recalled the terrifying moment. “My daughter and I heard multiple booms. She panicked. It was terrifying.”
Stan Blake, a local, knew something was wrong when he saw thick black smoke pouring from both ends of the tunnel. “I’ve never seen anything like this. This is really, really bad,” he said.
Highway traffic rerouted as emergency crews struggle
Authorities redirected traffic through Green River as rescuers continued their efforts. By late Friday afternoon, emergency teams still had not entered the tunnel. The full extent of the tragedy remained unknown.
Local hospital overwhelmed by ‘mass casualty’ wreck
Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County issued a statement urging people to avoid unnecessary visits. The crash was declared a ‘mass casualty’ event.
Leaders react to the tragedy
WYDOT Director Darin Westby expressed his sorrow. “My heart is broken for the victims and their families,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected.”
The Wyoming Highway Patrol also issued a statement. “We deeply appreciate our first responders for their brave efforts,” said Lt. Col. Karl Germain. “Motorists should follow detour speed limits. Delays are expected.”
Engineers assess tunnel stability
The tunnel, running beneath Castle Rock, a sandstone formation overlooking Green River, remains a major concern. Wyoming Department of Transportation officials deployed geologists and bridge engineers to evaluate the damage.
