Semi crash shuts down Interstate

SARATOGA (WNE) — Driver fatigue is being investigated as a contributing factor in a wreck near Walcott that closed Interstate 80 for nearly four hours on October 9.

According to a press release from the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), troopers responded to milepost 240 on I80 westbound around 4:30 a.m. for a wreck involving three semi trucks.

The first semi rolled over before coming to rest blocking right lane westbound traffic with the bottom of the trailer facing oncoming traffic. The two other semis involved in the wreck collided with the bottom of the trailer, which caused them to roll over as well.

The second semi flipped onto its left side, entrapping the driver, who had to be extracted.

The third vehicle also rolled onto its left side.

The second and third semis were stuck together when the landing gear from the second semi punched through the top of the third semi’s trailer. The tow companies which were on scene were able to separate the two vehicles.

Two people involved in the wreck suffered serious injuries, according to Trooper Ryan Gerdes. One was airlifted at the scene of the wreck to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. A ground ambulance transported the second injured person to Memorial Hospital of Carbon County in Rawlins, but that person was later airlifted to Casper as well.

Two others were transported to MHCC.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol did not release the names of those involved in the wreck at this time.

This story was published on October 17, 2024.