Third Victim in Deadly Wyoming Tunnel Crash Found: Officials

About half of the vehicles involved in the Feb. 14 Green River tunnel fire have now been cleared by the Wyoming Highway Patrol

Authorities said the body of a third victim was discovered following the deadly multi-vehicle crash in Wyoming last week that caused a fire in a highway tunnel.

In a news release issued on Sunday, Feb. 16, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) confirmed the third fatality as authorities continue to investigate and clear the Green River tunnel crash that occurred on Interstate 80 on Friday, Feb. 14. 

As reported by the Associated Press, in addition to the three fatalities, there were at least five people seriously injured in the crash. The names of the victims have not been publicly disclosed. 

In a Facebook post on Friday, the WHP said troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-80 at milepost 90.2 inside the westbound tunnel. At the time, troopers confirmed two dead, adding that the scene had been contained and the tunnel was evacuated, said the WYDOT.

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The WYDOT shared photos of thick, black smoke coming out from the tunnel as multiple semi-trucks appeared smashed together. 

Based on a preliminary investigation, the crash “involved multiple passenger and commercial vehicles in the middle and western parts of the westbound tunnel located at mile marker 90.2 on I-80,” said the WYDOT.

The WHP believes 26 vehicles were involved in the crash: 10 passenger vehicles and 16 commercial vehicles, the WYDOT added in its press release.

“Six commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles were completely destroyed by the fire,” the agency stated.

The fire hampered emergency responders’ efforts to administer aid until conditions improved, said WHP Major James Thomas, WyoFile reported. 

Thomas said the investigation will "be a long process, just because of the level, the magnitude of the incident, and being able to document everything we need to make sure our investigation is thorough and we can get a good understanding of what happened.”

About half of the vehicles involved in the tunnel fire, basically to the middle of the 1,200 ft. tunnel, have now been cleared by the WHP as of Sunday, said the WYDOT. 

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The department added in its update that there will be a 10.5 ft. width and 16 ft. height restriction through the head-to-head lanes in the eastbound tunnel, which is expected to reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 19, the AP reported. .

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Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement on Friday addressing the incident, saying the WYDOT will evaluate the tunnel. 

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“I am praying for all concerned and their families. I have directed the appropriate agencies to work with the local communities to offer aid and assistance to the injured, to those who have suffered loss, and in support of efforts to resolve ongoing concerns,” said Gordon at the time “I am immensely grateful to the emergency responders who acted so quickly and without concern for their own personal safety to reach those in peril. We will offer any and all assistance we can to the fullest extent of my powers. Safety for the community and for those directly affected is our top priority.” 

PEOPLE contacted the WHP for additional information about the crash on Monday, Feb. 17.