Fiery Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Tunnel Kills at Least Two: What We Know

A fatal multi-vehicle crash in a tunnel along I-80 in Wyoming has killed at least two people, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) said on Friday.

Newsweek reached out to WYDOT via online form for comment.

Why It Matters

The fatal crash has grinded traffic along the highway to a stop. Pictures show a cloud of black smoke emanating from the tunnel.

There is a hazardous weather outlook in the area due to snow, the National Weather Service (NWS) says.

What To Know

The crash happened around 11:40 a.m. around mile marker 90.2 in the westbound lanes of I-80. The crash occurred in the Green River Tunnel, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) says. In a news release, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) confirmed at least two people have died.

Officials urge motorists to avoid this area as I-80 is shut down in both directions. The eastbound lanes are being used for staging by first responders. WYDOT says that the scene has been secured, and the tunnel has been evacuated.

In pictures uploaded by local officials, a cloud of black smoke can be seen coming out of the tunnel. Geologists and bridge engineers with the WYDOT are traveling to the scene to “assess the tunnel infrastructure,” WYDOT says.

Westbound traffic on I-80 is being diverted at mile marker 91, WYDOT says. Eastbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 89 through Green River.

WHP Troopers & WYDOT responded to a multi-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in the westbound Green River Tunnel on I-80.
WYDOT Geologists & Bridge Engineers are en route to assess the tunnel infrastructure. More details will be announced.
More info:https://t.co/o5kyrr2rUX pic.twitter.com/3wiID0YV83

— Wyoming Department of Transportation (@WYDOTNews) February 15, 2025

What People Are Saying

WYDOT Director Darin Westby in a news release on Friday: “My heart is broken for the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible crash,” Westby said. “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.”

WHP Lt. Col. Karl Germain in a news release on Friday: “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 Germain. “Motorists are reminded to obey posted speed limits through the detour, and delays are likely.”

tunnel crash wyoming — A multi-vehicle crash occurred along I-80 in Wyoming on Friday.

Wyoming Department of Transportation

WHP posted on X about the crash with pictures of a black cloud on Friday: “Just after 1137AM, Troopers responded to a multi vehicle crash WB I 80 at milepost 90.2 inside the WB tunnel. Troopers are investigating fatality involved in this crash. There are road closures & detours. Please check http://wyoroad.info more updates to come.”