GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A tragic accident on Interstate 80 in Wyoming resulted in the discovery of a third victim within the wreckage of a multi-vehicle collision that occurred inside a highway tunnel.
The devastating crash involved 26 cars and trucks and occurred on Friday, leading to serious injuries for at least five individuals. The collision ignited a fire that completely consumed six commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles.
By Sunday, most of the wreckage had been cleared from the tunnel, leaving fewer than 10 vehicles remaining, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Investigators are meticulously examining each vehicle to piece together the sequence of events, but snowfall has hindered their efforts, according to officials.
Authorities expressed hope that no additional fatalities would be reported, as they continue to investigate the incident.
Further details regarding the victims have yet to be disclosed.
Images released depict the severely damaged vehicles inside the tunnel, adding a somber note to the unfolding tragedy.
The incident occurred in the westbound section of the twin tunnels beneath the Castle Rock formation, a prominent geological feature near Green River.
The resultant fire and wreckage led to a complete shutdown of the interstate, a critical transportation route in Wyoming, forcing traffic to be redirected through Green River.
Officials anticipate that the eastbound tunnel will reopen by Wednesday, accommodating traffic in both directions temporarily, while there remains no estimate for the reopening of the westbound tunnel.
