GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Authorities in Wyoming commenced the challenging task of examining the wreckage within a highway tunnel on Saturday after smoke, hazardous chemicals, and structural concerns complicated efforts to assess the situation and determine the possible number of casualties in the devastating accident.
At least two individuals have lost their lives, and at least five more sustained serious injuries in the crash involving multiple vehicles that occurred Friday in the westbound tunnel of Interstate 80, situated beneath Castle Rock—a prominent sandstone formation blanketed in snow that towers over Green River in the southwestern part of the state.
“It’s going to be an extensive process due to the scale of the incident and the need to document all pertinent details for a thorough investigation,” stated Maj. James Thomas from the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Once the wreckage is cleared, officials will collaborate with the county coroner to determine the identity of the victims, he noted. Currently, authorities have been unable to provide an exact count of the vehicles caught up in the incident.
Images from the scene on Friday depicted mangled semitrailers positioned beside the smoke-stained entrance of the tunnel, which stretches approximately a quarter-mile (400 meters) in length.
Randy Ringstmeyer, an engineer with the Wyoming Department of Transportation, reported significant fire damage in the central segment of the westbound tunnel. The fire impacted the concrete lining of the tunnel, which has led to loose chunks of concrete falling, prompting first responders to exercise caution in those areas.
Traffic on the interstate has been redirected through Green River while officials anticipate reopening the eastbound tunnel within three days. This would allow for two-way traffic as the westbound section remains closed. Engineers have yet to provide a timeline for the reopening of the westbound tunnel.
The National Transportation Safety Board has announced the initiation of a safety investigation in collaboration with the highway patrol to further assess the situation and improve safety measures.
