The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported that troopers were dispatched to a scene of a multi-vehicle collision in the westbound lanes just after 11:30 a.m. Footage captured by the department of transportation’s traffic cameras depicted thick, black smoke emanating from an exit tunnel. Major James Thomas of the highway patrol stated on Saturday that the presence of a fire in the tunnel hindered some of the life-saving efforts that could have been promptly executed.
The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office characterized the incident as a “multi-vehicle pileup with an active fire and potential explosion hazard.” An official disclosed that the fire had caused damage to the tunnel’s concrete lining, resulting in loose concrete continually falling.
During a press conference on Saturday, an official mentioned, “We anticipate ongoing concrete debris falling due to the external damage caused by the fire.” Governor Mark Gordon expressed his sorrow over the tragic event and acknowledged that a timeline for reopening the affected highway would not be determined until a thorough inspection of the tunnel’s structural integrity was complete.
In a released statement, Governor Gordon stated, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating event, along with their families. I have instructed the relevant agencies to collaborate with local communities in providing aid and support to the injured and those who have suffered losses, as well as in addressing ongoing issues.”
Truck traffic was disrupted as troopers worked to manage the aftermath of the multiple-vehicle collision within the westbound tunnel of Interstate 80 at milepost 90.2 in Green River, Wyoming, on Friday. The area was under a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service, forecasting snowfall.
Green River, a municipality with a population exceeding 11,000 residents, is situated in the southwest region of the state.
