Third Victim Discovered in Wyoming Highway Tunnel Crash Investigation

Authorities confirmed Sunday that a third victim was found in the aftermath of a devastating crash inside a Wyoming highway tunnel that involved 26 vehicles, the Associated Press reports.

The accident, which occurred Friday on Interstate 80 near Green River, resulted in a fire that completely destroyed six commercial trucks and two passenger vehicles.

According to Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Roascio, most of the wreckage had been cleared by Sunday, with fewer than 10 vehicles remaining inside the tunnel. However, heavy snowfall was slowing federal and state investigators as they worked to reconstruct the crash scene. Officials have not yet released details about the victims but expressed hope that no additional fatalities would be discovered.

“We’re hopeful that this is the final fatality,” Roascio said.

The crash took place in the westbound tunnel beneath Castle Rock, a well-known sandstone formation overlooking Green River. The incident forced the closure of Interstate 80, a major east-west transportation route through Wyoming, with traffic being rerouted through the town.

Authorities announced that the eastbound tunnel is expected to reopen Wednesday and will temporarily handle traffic in both directions. However, there is currently no estimate for when the westbound tunnel will be operational again.

Photos released by officials on Sunday showed the charred remains of vehicles inside the tunnel, highlighting the severity of the crash. At least five individuals sustained serious injuries, though further details on their conditions have not been provided.