GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A tragic accident on Friday involving a series of vehicles in a tunnel along Interstate 80 in southwestern Wyoming resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and left five more seriously injured, leading to the complete closure of the highway.

The incident occurred within the westbound section of the twin tunnels in Green River, involving various trucks and vehicles both inside and outside the tunnel. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to thick black smoke and the sound of tires exploding, making their access to the scene perilous, according to Trooper Nicholas Warren from the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

As of late Friday afternoon, there was no clear indication of when traffic would resume, forcing authorities to reroute vehicles through the city of Green River. The highway’s closure has caused significant disruptions for travelers in the area.

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County issued a statement requesting that individuals refrain from visiting the hospital unless they were facing emergencies or had family involved in the “mass casualty” incident. Hospital spokeswoman Lena Warren mentioned that the total number of victims admitted was still uncertain.

The tunnel, which stretches a quarter-mile (approximately 400 meters), passes beneath Castle Rock, a prominent sandstone formation that towers over the community of Green River, where around 11,500 residents live.