Green River, WY — A catastrophic accident involving several semi-trailers and passenger vehicles led to multiple fatalities in a westbound tunnel on Interstate 80 near Green River, authorities reported on Friday. The tragic incident, which occurred around 11:37 a.m. at milepost 90, forced the closure of the interstate in both directions indefinitely as emergency crews responded to the extensive collision and resulting fires.
Wyoming Highway Patrol confirmed that the collision in the tunnel was so severe that it led to an explosion, with ongoing issues such as tires igniting due to intense heat. The multi-vehicle mishap has been declared a mass casualty event by local health officials. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has issued a notice urging the public to avoid the area to facilitate the arrival of emergency responders and the treatment of the injured.
The exact number of casualties has yet to be determined, with ongoing efforts to clear the wreckage and provide aid to the victims. The scale of the accident and the complex nature of the tunnel setting suggest a prolonged investigation and cleanup process.
Preliminary investigations by the Wyoming Highway Patrol suggest that a semi-truck carrying transformers was partially responsible for the disaster. It appears that oil within the transformers caught fire, contributing significantly to the accident’s severity.
Green River Fire Chief Bill Robinson expressed the gravity of the situation and the anticipated challenges ahead. “It’s going to be days before we can work through all this stuff that is going on,” Robinson stated, emphasizing the indefinite timeline for reopening the tunnel and the adjacent sections of the highway.
The accident has not only caused monumental disruptions along one of the key interstate routes but also raised concerns about commercial transport safety and regulations, especially within confined infrastructure such as tunnels.
Local authorities are coordinating with state officials to manage the traffic flow around the area, advising motorists to seek alternate routes. They also emphasized the importance of providing unimpeded access for emergency services to manage the situation efficiently.
Community leaders and state officials have pledged to investigate the accident thoroughly to determine the cause and to identify measures that could prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, support services have been mobilized to assist affected families and individuals coping with the aftermath of this tragic event.
The full impact of the closure on interstate traffic and commerce, particularly with the transportation of goods via semi-trailers, is expected to be significant. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial need for strict adherence to safety standards in the transportation industry.
Lastly, residents of Green River and neighboring communities offer their support and solidarity, highlighting the close-knit nature of the area in times of crisis. As the community reels from the shock, collective efforts are underway to heal and rebuild from the day’s harrowing events.