Over 100 vehicle crash closes I-80 in Wyoming
Mar 2, 2020, 8:33 AM | Updated: 4:41 pm
100 vehicle Pile Up on I-80 in Wyoming on March 2, 2020. (Picture courtesy of WHP)
(Picture courtesy of WHP)
RAWLINS, Wyoming — A winter storm that blew through Utah Sunday caused a chain reaction crash in Wyoming involving more than 100 vehicles in both directions and forcing the closure of I-80, likely through tomorrow afternoon.
David Cuarezmo posted a video of the wreckage on his Facebook page. He describes I-80 in Wyoming as “the most dangerous road in the United States.”
Other posts from the Wyoming crash on I-80 show mangled semis carrying cows, seen looking out the sides of semi-trucks where moments before there was a metal wall. A passenger car is completely unrecognizable as rescuers attempt to pry the door frame open.
Crews working to clear the pile-up, discovered more than 100-vehicles involved and 3-people are confirmed dead but their identities have not yet been released. It’s unknown how many more injuries there are.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation posted Tweets at 5 a.m. Monday about all the closures on I-80. The freeway is expected to remain closed in Wyoming until around 1 a.m. tomorrow morning.
02-MAR-2020 07:51 – I80 Rawlins – Laramie: Closed WB due to winter conditions. As of Mar 02 at 05:00, the est open time is in 19 to 21 hours. Exit 235, Walcott Jct – Laramie: Closed to light, high-profile veh EB due to Gusting Winds. #wyoroad
— Wyoming DOT (@WYDOT_I80) March 2, 2020
Wyoming Highway Patrol sent out a news release around 12 noon updating the time I-80 is expected to open.
On Sunday, March 1, 2020, around 3:39 p.m., Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were notified of crashes involving multiple vehicles around milepost 181 and 184 on Interstate 80. As of 10:00 a.m., the estimated time to open the road is 26 to 32 hours.
The incident is ongoing and still under investigation.
— WHP March 2, 2020
Photos taken in Wyoming near Rock Springs-Rawlins on I80 (Credit Baykal Transport | Facebook)
Rawlins is about midway between Evanston and Cheyenne, and is one of few spots along I-80 through Wyoming where there are places to stop and get gas or take a break on a long drive.
