Green River, Wyoming (AP) – Investigators in Wyoming began sifting smoke, dangerous chemicals and structural concerns in the wreckage inside highway tunnels Saturday, which prevented them from determining how many people died in the fiery piles .
At least two people were killed and five others were seriously injured in multiple crashes on Friday, officials said. The crash occurred in the westbound tunnel of Interstate 80 under Castle Rock, a snow-covered sandstone formation that is looming in the town of Green River in southwestern the state.
Major James Thomas of the Wyoming Highway Patrol said: “It’s really been a long process, just because of the magnitude of the incident and then being able to record everything we need to make sure our investigation is thorough.” .”
Trusted news and daily joy are in your inbox
Watch it for yourself – Yodel is the go-to for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.
He said once officials are able to pull the vehicle out, they will work with the county coroner. Authorities are still unable to calculate all vehicles involved.
Photos from the scene showed a smoky semi-tug in the tunnel smoky mouth, about a quarter of a mile (400 meters) in the tunnel.
One-third of the westbound tunnels suffered extensive fire damage, said Randy Ringstmeyer, an engineer at the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The fire damaged its concrete lining, causing the concrete to fall and first responders to avoid these areas.
Interstate traffic is diverted through Green River. Officials aim to reopen the eastbound tunnel within three days so that two-way traffic can be done while the westbound zone remains closed. Engineers cannot estimate when the westbound tunnel will reopen.
The National Transportation Safety Commission said it has conducted a security investigation with the Highway Patrol.
