GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A fatal multi-vehicle crash inside the Green River Tunnel in Wyoming on Friday led to what is being described as a "mass casualty event" on Interstate 80.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the crash involved multiple passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Troopers responded to the scene just after 11:30 a.m.
“We had icy conditions in there which more than likely will be the initial causation factor," WHP Major James Thomas said in an update Saturday. "There’s going to be several causation factors as the investigation starts to unfold.”
Officials said there were two confirmed fatalities from outside the tunnel. There was no update to those numbers as of Saturday. However, officials did confirm that two other people were injured.
WHP shared photos of the fatal incident in which thick black smoke could be seen coming from inside the tunnel on the highway's westbound lanes near the town of Green River.
"First responders bravely worked through the night to fight the fire in the tunnel, and we could not be more appreciative of their teamwork and support,” WHP Lt. Col. Karl Germain said in an update Saturday morning.
Due to falling concrete debris from the tunnel and the tire explosions, investigators had to wait for engineers and geologists to inspect the scene before they could begin the rescue and recovery work. Officials said Saturday that the fire caused lights and electrical equipment to fall from the tunnel's ceiling, but there is no sign of structural collapse.
WHP said Saturday morning that crews have arrived and are working to clear the damaged and abandoned vehicles from the tunnel.
Video shows smoke coming from Green River Tunnel (Courtesy: Michael Gabbard):
Both directions of the highway are closed to all traffic at the tunnel for an undisclosed amount of time. As of Saturday, westbound traffic was still being diverted at mile marker 91 and eastbound at mile marker 89 through Green River, according to the agency.
According to Jason Mower with the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, most of the people involved in the initial incident were able to leave the tunnel before the fire got out of control.
Explosions were reported during the fire, and investigators believe that the truck was carrying electrical transformers at the time. Several subsequent explosions reported after are believed to have been caused by tires under pressure from the heat.
“My heart is broken for the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible crash,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are involved. WYDOT and WHP remain on scene to assist local emergency responders and provide additional support and traffic control.”
The eastbound lanes of the tunnel are currently being used for first responder staging. Traffic is being rerouted around the crash; westbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 91 and eastbound at mile marker 89 through Green River.
“We want to express our sincerest appreciation to first responders in Sweetwater County for their support and assistance in responding to this tragic crash,” said WHP Lt. Col. Karl Germain. “Motorists are reminded to obey posted speed limits through the detour, and delays are likely.”
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