Wyoming Tunnel Crash Kills 3, Injures Many; Interstate 80 Closed Amid Structural Concerns
February 15, 2025
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
Get a daily email with more US News stories
Sources

NBC News • Feb 15, 2025
2 dead in Wyoming highway tunnel pileup that closed major east-west interstate
AP News • Feb 14, 2025
Fiery Wyoming tunnel crash kills at least 2, closes I-80 in both directions
AP News • Feb 16, 2025
Investigators find 3rd victim from fiery Wyoming highway tunnel crash
ABC News • Feb 16, 2025
Investigators find 3rd victim from fiery Wyoming highway tunnel crash