Multi-Vehicle crashes close Wyoming highways
Winter weather causes crashes on I-80 and other highways
by Wyoming Highway Patrol
March 31, 2008
(Cheyenne) – An intense spring storm continues to bring snow, blowing snow and limited visibility to portions of Wyoming causing some road closures due to motor vehicle crashes.
At approximately 10:23 a.m. Troopers were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 near the Saratoga Interchange just east of Walcott. Troopers have asked WYDOT to close Interstate 80 between Laramie and Sinclair in both directions.
One tractor trailer combination loaded with electronics did catch fire and the heat from the intense fire has damaged the roadway surface on the westbound lanes of the Interstate. WYDOT personnel are currently assessing the damage to the roadway at this time.
Another tractor trailer flatbed has lost it’s load of pipe. The spilled load of pipe must be removed from the highway prior to opening.
Troopers on scene have reported that at least 25 vehicles have been involved in multiple or separate crashes on both the west and east bound sides of the Interstate between mile post #236 and mile post #237.
More details are currently not available at this time, however, there have not been injuries reported from the crashes on Interstate 80 in this area. There has been one report of a man suffering a heart attack however.
At this time it is unknown how long the Interstate will remain closed in this area.
In a separate incident, Troopers in the Riverton/Shoshoni area have asked for assistance from WYDOT in closing a 22 mile stretch of WYO 789 between the two towns due to a multi-vehicle crash that involves four tractor trailer combination units and at least four other vehicles.
Troopers on scene are reporting near whiteout conditions due to snow and blowing snow at the crash scene which is approximately 8 miles north of Riverton at approximately mile post #113.
There has been injuries reported in this crash and two victims have been transported via ambulance to Riverton Memorial Hospital. Again, more details are currently not available at this time.
Troopers on scene of both multi-vehicle events are currently evacuating motorists as needed and are assisting victims involved in the crashes.
We regret any inconvenience these events may have caused the motoring public and we are doing our best to clear roadways and get traffic moving again safely. Motorists are asked to avoid the areas if at all possible as long delays are expected.
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