Two dead, multiple citations issued from blowovers and pileups on Wyoming’s highways

Another person is dead after a multi-vehicle incident on I-80, adding another tragedy to a chaotic week on Wyoming’s highways. The Wyoming Highway Patrol confirmed a Utah resident died in an incident near Rock Springs at 1:53 a.m. Sunday involving several semi-trucks and other vehicles that closed eastbound lanes for over 17 hours.

“We believe it was a flash freeze,” said WHP spokesman Aaron Brown. “A couple of trucks crashed, and then more followed in a chain reaction. I’m waiting on an official number, but we’re looking at 15 to 20 vehicles involved.” Six people were transported to hospitals and 13 others taken to the Sweetwater County Fairgrounds for shelter.

The death was the second on Wyoming highways since Thursday. Michael Sandrone, 69, of Utah, died in a blowover on Wyoming Highway 28 south of Lander when his Peterbilt truck tipped over and rolled into a ditch near the Red Canyon Scenic Overlook. Severe wind was cited as the primary factor, with speed a possible contributor.

On March 12 alone, WHP recorded 33 blowovers statewide, with 12 on I-80 and seven occurring between mile markers 288 and 289. A 20-vehicle pileup between Laramie and Sinclair sent two to hospitals the same day.

Of the 33 blowovers, 22 drivers were issued citations, most for violating closure parameters for high-profile vehicles under certain gross vehicle weights. “That’s not a cheap citation, either,” Brown said.

Brown noted the overall mild winter may have lulled drivers into complacency. “When we have these big windstorms, people are either caught off guard or simply don’t listen to the warnings or closures,” he said. “These guys tried to take it anyway, even though they were underweight. It’s an expensive way to find out that you mess with Mother Nature, you’re going to lose.”