NTSB Report: Wyoming Tunnel Fire Triggered by Pickup Losing Control

A deadly multi-vehicle collision that sparked a devastating fire inside the Green River Tunnel on Interstate 80 in southwest Wyoming was caused when a pickup truck lost control, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Equipment World reports.

The crash occurred on the morning of February 14, 2025, when a 2006 Toyota Tundra traveling westbound lost control, struck a guardrail, and came to a stop 150 feet beyond the tunnel exit. The NTSB report noted that while weather conditions were clear at the time, residual ice or slush near the exit may have contributed to the loss of control.

As a result of the incident:

• A Peterbilt semi-truck and a Jeep Grand Cherokee successfully maneuvered around the stationary Toyota Tundra.

• A 2020 Volvo VNL semi-truck, attempting to brake, jackknifed inside the tunnel, completely blocking both westbound lanes.

• Two vehicles collided with the Volvo and exited the tunnel, striking additional vehicles.

• Among them was a Dodge Ram carrying four people. The pickup was struck by a 2019 Freightliner semi-truck, killing two passengers inside the Dodge Ram.

• Several other vehicles crashed into the Volvo inside the tunnel, igniting a fire that resulted in another fatality.

The crash ultimately involved 16 commercial vehicles and 10 passenger vehicles, leaving:

• Three fatalities:

  • Christopher Johnson, 20, and Quentin Romero, 22, both of Rawlins, Wyoming

  • Harmanjeet Singh, 30, of Nova Scotia, Canada

• 20 people injured, with 18 requiring medical treatment

Following the crash, the eastbound tunnel remained undamaged and was reopened in early March. However, westbound lanes remain closed as the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and engineering consultants assess the structural damage and plan repairs.

The cleanup and disposal efforts, handled by Clean Harbors Environmental Services, were completed this month. WYDOT is now focusing on tunnel restoration before fully reopening westbound traffic.