At Least One Dead, Another Life-Flighted From Semi Crash That Closed I-80

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: This story has been updated to reflect that eastbound Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins has reopened.

A nasty-looking crash involving at least two semitrailers has left at least one person dead, another seriously hurt and the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins closed for hours Thursday afternoon.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported the crash near Arlington shortly before noon, and at the same time the Wyoming Department of Transportation began reporting that I-80 eastbound was expected to be closed for an estimated four to six hours.

By 4:15 p.m., the highway had been cleared and reopened for eastbound traffic.

At least one fatality is confirmed, and another person was taken from the scene by an air ambulance, WHP Public Information Officer Aaron Brown told Cowboy State Daily.

“What I know right now is we have I-80 eastbound between Rawlins and Laramie closed, and we expect it to be closed for several hours,” Brown said.

Brown encourages people to download and use the Wyoming 511 app, which provides updates on road conditions, closures and alternative routes. For this crash, U.S. Highway 30 is likely the best option.

A photo of the crash scene shared by the Highway Patrol shows both semitrailers on the shoulder of the interstate with debris stretching across both lanes for at least 100 feet.

The front ends of both semis appear to be crushed, with one still smoking in a WHP photo.

While some truckers and travelers may have sought alternative routes around the crash when the highway was closed, others choose to wait it out in Laramie on the east end of the closure, or Rawlins or Sinclair on the west.

The Sinclair Stinker I-80 Travel Plaza at Exit 221 is used to being a landing spot for I-80 closures, whether those are because of crashes or weather.

“Yup, a lot of people do stop by here for snacks and appreciate it,” said a flustered Stinker attendant shortly after the crash.

To pass the time, truckers and other motorists “like to sit down here at the restaurant and get something to eat,” the attendant said. Then before he could be asked to identify himself, he added that he’d like to talk more but was too busy and hung up the phone.

What may have caused the crash wasn’t initially reported, but Brown said the investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg@cowboystatedaily.com

Greg Johnson can be reached at greg@cowboystatedaily.com.