Multiple wrecks close interstate

EVANSTON (WNE) — Multiple wrecks involving 15-20 vehicles shut down a snowy westbound Interstate-80 for about five hours on Sunday in the Bridger Valley. 

The accidents sent five people to Evanston Regional Hospital — four were treated and released, and one was transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City for further treatment, Uinta County Fire and Ambulance Chief Administrator Eric Quinney told the Herald.

Bridger Valley Fire and EMS responded to the accidents, requiring all three Valley ambulances. Westbound lanes were closed at milepost 53, near Church Butte Road.

The wrecks occurred during a snowstorm. Quinney offered some advice for winter travelers.

“Know before you go,” he said. “Use web cameras, apps and find out the current road conditions; alter travel plans if possible. Slow down. Make sure your tires are in good condition, and make sure to have enough gas for prolonged traffic situations and emergency supplies in the car.”

Wyoming Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Arron Healy said two vehicles ran out of gas during the five-hour closure. Four troopers responded and described the conditions as slick, with a whiteout and low visibility.

Healy said the incident began around 11:30 a.m. when a semi-truck was “going too fast and overturned,” adding that several different collisions followed. The truck was on its side, blocking all lanes and, due to the poor conditions, took several hours to clear. Westbound I-80 opened around 4:30 p.m., Healy said.

He echoed Quinney’s advice about winter driving.

“Be prepared. Make sure you have blankets, warm clothing, snacks — and fuel,” he said. “Never drive faster than conditions allow.” 

This story was published on Dec. 4, 2025.