Two people dead and more than 20 injured in one day in truck accidents in Wyoming on one day. Weather and excessive speed are culprits.
Two people are dead and more than 20 people were injured after a 34-vehicle incident in the westbound lane of I-80 near Evanston in February 2025. The westbound lane was finally opened late Thursday morning as wreckers were busily clearing vehicles from the highway.
In all, 22 commercial semi-trucks and 12 passenger vehicles were involved in the crash. With 22 vehicles involved, it is not surprising that 22 people were transported to and treated for injuries. Injuries ranged from severe bruising to broken legs and ribs. Three people were airlifted to hospitals in Utah for “advanced care.”
Two people died from injuries sustained in the crash. In addition to hazardous winter weather conditions, one of the contributing factors to the fatal incident is believed to be excessive speed.
“Preliminary findings are showing that speed, specifically traveling too fast for existing conditions, is more than likely going to be a big contributing factor. Charges are pending because we don’t know if we are going to charge anyone just yet”, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The weather at the time of the incident was snowy and windy with slick conditions and low visibility. Several commuters described passing through several whiteouts that afternoon.
As if this highway debacle was not enough, there was another multi-vehicle incident that temporarily closed the eastbound lane of I-80 around the same time. “That was a much smaller event, with only a couple of semi-trucks and passenger vehicles,” according to a Wyoming Highway Patrol spokesperson.
These incidents point out the importance of driving at safe speed, with adequate vehicle separation, particularly in winter weather.