Fatal multiple-vehicle pileup closes westbound I-80 in Wyoming

Fatal multiple-vehicle pileup closes westbound I-80 in Wyoming

(Wyoming Highway Patrol)


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LARAMIE, Wyo. — For the second time in three days, westbound Interstate 80 has been closed due to a major vehicle pileup, according to Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Initial reports said two commercial semitrucks crashed into each other around 8 a.m., causing one of the semitrucks to block both lanes of westbound I-80, Wyoming Highway Patrol said. After the semitruck jackknifed, it caused a chain reaction of other vehicles crashing into the semitruck and into each other.

Troopers said between 21-40 vehicles were involved in the pileup, resulting in multiple injuries and one fatality. The investigation and cleanup were delayed due to a large fire that resulted from the accident. A 22,000-gallon tanker of Butyl Cellosolve caught fire in the pileup, the Wyoming Highway Patrol said.

Dense fog and slushy road conditions are believed to be contributing factors in the accident.

The highway patrol asked motorists to be patient with the road closure and to take alternate routes if possible. For updates on road conditions, visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation website here.

Westbound I-80 was also closed Thursday when 33 semitrucks and 12 other vehicles crashed between Cheyenne and Laramie during a blizzard.

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Faith Heaton Jolley

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