A devastating crash occurred in the Green River Tunnel along Interstate 80 in Wyoming, resulting in a massive fire that destroyed several vehicles and claimed the lives of three people. The incident, which involved 26 cars and trucks, happened on Friday, February 14, 2025, and has left at least five people seriously injured. The investigation is currently underway, with federal and state authorities working together to determine the cause of the accident. The Wyoming Highway Patrol has released photos of the charred remains of vehicles inside the tunnel, showing the extent of the damage.
The crash took place in the westbound tube of the twin tunnel under Castle Rock, a sandstone formation that looms over the town of Green River in the state's southwest region. The wreck and ensuing fire shut down the interstate, the primary east-west road corridor through Wyoming, and traffic was rerouted through Green River. The eastbound tunnel is expected to reopen soon, but the westbound tunnel's reopening date has not been estimated yet. Engineers are working to assess the damage and ensure the tunnel's safety before allowing traffic to resume. The reconstruction of the accident scene is also ongoing, with investigators going vehicle by vehicle to piece together what happened.
Local authorities, including the Green River Police Department, are working closely with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to manage the situation and ensure the safety of drivers. WYDOT has implemented various safety measures, including electronic message boards on I-80 on both sides of Green River to direct traffic, barriers to guide vehicles, and additional signage within the town urging drivers to slow down. The city's police chief, Shaun Sturlaugson, has issued a statement asking for patience and understanding during this difficult time, as the situation remains fluid and under active management.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the tunnel and the need for additional measures to prevent such accidents in the future. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash in cooperation with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The NTSB will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the role of human error, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions. The investigation will also look into the response of emergency services and the effectiveness of the safety measures in place. As the investigation continues, officials are urging drivers to remain cautious and patient, as the situation is still developing and may require further adjustments to ensure public safety.
The full extent of the damage and the cause of the accident are still being determined, but it is clear that the crash has had a significant impact on the community and the state's transportation infrastructure. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working to restore normal traffic patterns as soon as possible, while also ensuring the safety of drivers and the integrity of the tunnel. As the situation continues to unfold, officials are reminding drivers to exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines to prevent further accidents and minimize disruptions to traffic flow. Some of the key facts about the incident include:
* 26 cars and trucks were involved in the crash
* At least five people were seriously injured
* Three people have been confirmed dead
* The eastbound tunnel is expected to reopen soon
* The westbound tunnel's reopening date has not been estimated yet
* The NTSB is investigating the crash in cooperation with the Wyoming Highway Patrol
* The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, including human error, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions.