Interstate 80 west of Laramie will remain closed due to multi-vehicle crash

Interstate 80 between Sinclair and Laramie will be closed until Tuesday or longer, following Monday morning's multi-vehicle crash near the Quealy Dome Interchange, about 20 miles west of Laramie.

 

At latest count, approximately 50 vehicles, a majority of them large tractor-trailer combinations, were involved in the crash. which occurred about 8 a.m. The wreckage was scattered along the highway for a half mile or more, according to eyewitnesses.

 

Initial reports indicated as many as 15 vehicles were involved in the crash, and that number grew during the day as the emergency response and investigation continued.

 

As of late afternoon Monday, only one fatality had been confirmed, and Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie had earlier reported its staff had treated 16 injuries.

 

The crash response was hampered by fire which engulfed several of the vehicles. Firefighters needed several hours to extinguish the stubborn blazes.

 

During the afternoon, tow trucks were able to extricate a number of vehicles that had veered off the roadway but were otherwise undamaged. Numerous other vehicles which were damaged in collisions were towed off as well.

 

Heavy equipment is now on scene to remove the most severely damaged vehicles, and troopers warn that more victims could be discovered in the wreckage.

 

Motorists delayed by the I-80 closure are asked to remain patient and check for updates at  www.wyoroad.info or by calling 1-888-WYO-ROAD.