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GREEN RIVER, Wyo. (AP) — In Wyoming, search efforts commenced inside a highway tunnel on Saturday as investigators faced smoke, hazardous materials, and concerns regarding structural integrity, hampering their ability to ascertain the full extent of casualties from a catastrophic crash.
The incident, which occurred on Friday in a multivehicle collision within the westbound tunnel of Interstate 80, resulted in at least two fatalities and left five individuals with serious injuries. This unfortunate event took place beneath Castle Rock, a prominent sandstone formation near Green River.
Maj. James Thomas of the Wyoming Highway Patrol emphasized the extensive nature of the incident, indicating that the investigation would be thorough and lengthy due to the complexity involved in documenting the scene.
Once vehicles are cleared from the site, authorities plan to collaborate closely with the county coroner for further assessments, as the complete count of vehicles involved remains undetermined.
Images captured on Friday depicted damaged semitrailers positioned at the tunnel’s smoke-blackened entrance. The tunnel has a length of approximately a quarter-mile (400 meters), and it suffered extensive fire-related damage.
Randy Ringstmeyer, an engineer from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, reported significant destruction within the tunnel’s middle section due to the fire, which compromised its concrete lining and led to falling debris. This posed additional risks for first responders in affected areas.
Traffic on Interstate 80 has been redirected through Green River, with officials aiming for the eastbound tunnel to reopen within three days to accommodate two-way traffic, while the westbound tunnel will remain closed for an undetermined period.
In response to the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board has announced the initiation of a safety investigation in partnership with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
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