47 Vehicle Pileup Near Elk Mountain Closes I-80 Temporarily

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has reported that a 47 car pileup on I-80 near Elk Mountain closed the interstate for approximately 18 hours. It has now been reopened.

No fatalities have been reported because of the accident.

The report came in to authorities just before 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. At the time of the accident, the speed limit had been reduced to 45 MPH due to snowy, windy, and icy conditions as well as limited visibility.

Five crash victims were taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbon County in Rawlins, and two more to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie.  One victim went to a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The Highway Patrol said two victims were trapped in a vehicle for two hours before first responders could free them.

WHP is still investigating the crash and say the vehicle count may go up.  Following too closely and speed too fast for conditions are most likely the largest factors in the accident.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminds motorists...

"Troopers across the State continue to work crashes this morning as roadways are slick to slick in spots. Motorists are reminded to buckle up, obey the variable speed signs and to drive cautiously when road conditions are other than favorable."