The investigation into a major, multi-vehicle crash in the tunnels on Interstate 80 in Green River, Wy., that occurred last Friday is ongoing, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). Three people died due to subsequent fires and two others were seriously injured.
The Highway Patrol said the agency received its first call about the incident around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. Upon arrival, crews found several vehicles in the westbound lanes ahead of the tunnel and inside the tunnel along with an active fire.
The blaze hindered initial life-saving efforts, though first responders immediately worked to evacuate people from the area.
In a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Wyoming state leaders and first responders provided an update on the crash, sharing that federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), were assisting in the investigation.
By Sunday, the agency’s confirmed that two people were seriously injured in the fire and three people died.
Officials from Highway Patrol said that firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the flames. By Saturday, the focus of the investigation had shifted to evidence collection, vehicle removal, and mapping the scene
The NTSB has also been in contact with Wyoming’s emergency response agencies and will be conducting a parallel investigation.
While the fire caused extensive damage to the tunnel, including fallen lighting and concrete, Randy Ringstmeyer, WYDOT’s principal engineer, said there are no signs that the structure is at risk of collapsing.
Traffic in the area remains diverted, with westbound traffic rerouted at mile marker 91 and eastbound traffic at mile marker 89. Mark Gordon warned residents and commuters that surrounding roadways, not designed for heavy traffic, will experience significant congestion during the investigation.
Source: ABC7 Chicago, ABC 4 News
