The tragic multi-vehicle crash in Wyoming’s Green River tunnel on February 14 has claimed three lives, authorities have confirmed. Officials from the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced in a news release on Sunday, February 16, that the body of the third victim had been discovered. Investigations into the incident are still underway.
The collision, which occurred inside the westbound tunnel at milepost 90.2 on Interstate 80, involved a fire that significantly complicated rescue and recovery efforts. As of now, at least five individuals have been reported as seriously injured. The names of the victims remain undisclosed to the public.
Details of the Crash
The WHP responded to the scene shortly after the accident, which involved a staggering 26 vehicles. According to their report, the vehicles included 10 passenger cars and 16 commercial trucks. The tunnel, located at mile marker 90.2, became engulfed in flames, causing extensive damage. WYDOT later confirmed that six commercial trucks and two passenger vehicles were entirely destroyed by the fire.
Photos shared by WYDOT show thick, black smoke billowing from the tunnel, with mangled semi-trucks stacked together. The fire made it extremely difficult for emergency responders to provide immediate assistance. WHP Major James Thomas explained that the responders had to wait for conditions to improve before administering aid.
Lengthy Investigation Underway
Major Thomas stated that investigating this crash will take considerable time due to the severity and complexity of the incident. “It will be a long process to document everything thoroughly and understand exactly what happened,” he said.
As of Sunday, February 16, approximately half of the vehicles involved in the fire—mainly from the central portion of the 1,200-foot-long tunnel—had been cleared by WHP crews.
Tunnel Restrictions and Reopening Plans
WYDOT has implemented temporary width and height restrictions for vehicles using the eastbound tunnel lanes, where traffic is being rerouted. The eastbound tunnel is expected to reopen on Wednesday, February 19, with a width restriction of 10.5 feet and a height restriction of 16 feet.
Statement from Wyoming’s Governor
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon issued a heartfelt statement on February 14, acknowledging the magnitude of the tragedy and expressing his gratitude to emergency responders.
“I am praying for everyone involved and their families,” said Governor Gordon. “I have directed state agencies to collaborate with local communities to offer aid and support to the injured, the grieving families, and all those affected. I am deeply thankful for the courage of emergency responders who risked their safety to assist those in need. The safety of the community remains our top priority.”
Governor Gordon also assured the public that WYDOT would be thoroughly evaluating the tunnel to assess the extent of the damage and its potential impact on future use.
Ongoing Impact
This tragic incident has not only resulted in the loss of lives but also affected travel along one of Wyoming’s busiest highways. The combination of passenger and commercial vehicles involved highlights the importance of road safety and infrastructure maintenance. WYDOT continues to work tirelessly to clear the remaining vehicles and evaluate the tunnel’s structural integrity to prevent future incidents.
For ongoing updates, the Wyoming Highway Patrol has urged residents to follow their social media channels and to exercise caution when traveling near the area.
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