Wyoming Tunnel Crash Kills 3, Injures Many; Interstate 80 Closed Amid Structural Concerns

February 15, 2025
Wyoming Tunnel Crash Kills 3, Injures Many; Interstate 80 Closed Amid Structural Concerns
  • As rescue efforts continued, a third victim was discovered in the wreckage on February 16, 2025, raising concerns about the total number of casualties.

  • A devastating multi-vehicle crash occurred on February 14, 2025, in the westbound tunnel of Interstate 80 in Green River, Wyoming, involving 26 vehicles and resulting in at least two fatalities.

  • Witnesses reported hearing and feeling explosions during the incident, which lasted for 30 to 45 minutes and caused widespread fear among local residents.

  • The crash not only claimed lives but also left at least five individuals seriously injured, with many others affected by the incident.

  • Authorities, including the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, have designated the area as a crime scene, leading to the closure of the highway in both directions.

  • Initial assessments indicated that the structural integrity of the tunnel was compromised due to the crash, prompting evaluations by geologists and bridge engineers.

  • Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon described the incident as a tragedy and noted that inspections for tunnel damage were underway, with no estimate for reopening the highway.

  • Traffic was rerouted through Green River as the crash area remained inaccessible, with significant fire damage reported to the tunnel's concrete lining.

  • Emergency services faced significant challenges accessing the crash site due to smoke, exploding tires, and the potential structural instability of the tunnel.

  • The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated a safety investigation in collaboration with the Wyoming Highway Patrol to determine the cause of the crash.

  • While the eastbound tunnel is expected to reopen on February 19, 2025, the timeline for reopening the westbound tunnel remains uncertain.

  • In light of the mass casualty situation, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has advised against non-emergency visits, although the exact number of victims admitted has not been disclosed.

Summary based on 9 sources


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