GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — On Sunday, authorities confirmed the discovery of a third victim in the aftermath of a devastating multi-vehicle accident that took place in a highway tunnel in Wyoming. The incident, which involved a total of 26 cars and trucks, resulted in a substantial fire that affected numerous vehicles.
According to reports, the crash occurred on Friday along Interstate 80 near Green River, a small town in the state. At least five individuals sustained serious injuries during the event, which resulted in the destruction of six commercial trucks and two passenger cars due to the intense fire.
By Sunday, most of the debris had been cleared, leaving fewer than ten vehicles remaining within the tunnel, according to Sergeant Jason Roascio from the Wyoming Highway Patrol. However, investigators faced challenges in their efforts because snowfall was hampering their progress as they meticulously examined each vehicle to piece together the sequence of events that led to the crash.
“We are optimistic that we have identified the last fatality,” Roascio commented as authorities continued their investigation into the tragic incident. Information regarding the identities of the three deceased individuals has not yet been disclosed.
Photographs shared on Sunday revealed the scorched remains of two of the vehicles involved in the collision. The accident transpired in the westbound section of the twin tunnel that runs beneath Castle Rock, a large sandstone structure that towers over the area surrounding Green River.
This catastrophic wreckage, along with the resulting fire, forced the closure of the interstate, which serves as a critical east-west transportation route through Wyoming, prompting traffic to be diverted through Green River. As for the highway’s status, the eastbound tunnel is anticipated to reopen on Wednesday, allowing for dual-direction traffic flow temporarily. However, engineers have not provided a timeline for when the westbound tunnel might be operational again.
