A serious collision involving multiple vehicles within a tunnel on Interstate 80 in southwestern Wyoming resulted in two fatalities and five injuries on Friday morning. The incident, which occurred around 11:37 a.m. in the westbound Green River Tunnel, sparked a fire and led to significant smoke, hindering initial rescue efforts. An exploding tire further complicated the situation for first responders.
The intense heat and smoke raised concerns about the tunnel's structural integrity, prompting the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to dispatch geologists and engineers to assess the damage. Both directions of the highway were closed, with the eastbound lanes serving as a staging area for emergency personnel. WYDOT Director Darin Westby expressed condolences to the victims' families and praised the efforts of the first responders. Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Col. Karl Germain echoed these sentiments and urged drivers to observe speed limits in the detour area, anticipating potential delays.
