Police investigating fatal crash on I-80 near Green River, Wyoming

GREEN RIVER, Wyoming — Police were investigating a fatal crash on westbound Interstate 80 at milepost 90 near Green River in Wyoming Friday, causing plumes of smoke to billow out of a highway tunnel. The Wyoming Department of Transportation said the accident occurred at a tunnel outside Green River. Wyoming Highway Patrol said the accident occurred just after 11:37 a.m. Local traffic was being diverted through the town of Green River. "Law enforcement and fire crews are working in the area and drivers are asked to stay clear of the area," the Wyoming Department of Transportation said. Wyoming Highway Patrol said the crash was fatal, but did not confirm the number of victims. The Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County said on Facebook that the accident was a "mass casualty incident." The Wyoming Department of Transportation later announced that two people were confirmed dead, and the investigation was ongoing. “My heart is broken for the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible crash,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Darin Westby. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are involved. WYDOT and WHP remain on scene to assist local emergency responders and provide additional support and traffic control.” The City of Rock Springs said that Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon was working with agencies directly to moniter the "serious multi-vehicle pile-up on I-80 near Green River in the west-bound tunnel." The city said the Wyoming Department of Transportation would inspect the tunnel, and it had no estimated time of reopening.

"Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County is currently working to provide immediate care to those affected," the hospital said. "As a community please be advised that we are working to provide care and take care of those that are involved. If you and your immediate family are not involved, please refrain from visiting the hospital unless it is an emergency."

It was not immediately known what caused the accident.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated.

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