Gillette, WY (March 10, 2026) – A three-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks left two teens hurt on Sunday evening, March 8, along WY 59 near mile marker 84 outside Gillette. The collision occurred around 8:20 p.m.
According to reports, a Chevrolet Impala carrying four teenagers was traveling northbound when the driver attempted to pass three vehicles in a marked no-passing zone.
While moving into the southbound lane to overtake traffic, the Impala was struck by an oncoming semi-truck. The impact pushed the car back into the northbound lane, where it was hit again by a second semi-truck. The crash caused heavy damage to the car, including the loss of the driver-side wheel and door panel. All four occupants in the vehicle were teenagers.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Trystin Smith of Gillette, was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He was also cited for careless driving, driving under suspension, being a minor in possession of alcohol, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Two teen passengers were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and were later released. Information about the other occupants and the truck drivers was not immediately available.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
Why Passing in No-Passing Zones Can Lead to Serious Highway Crashes
No-passing zones are placed on roads where visibility or roadway design makes overtaking other vehicles unsafe. These areas are commonly marked with solid center lines, curves, hills, or limited sight distances that prevent drivers from seeing oncoming traffic in time.
When a vehicle enters the opposite lane in these areas, drivers may encounter traffic traveling at highway speeds with little opportunity to react. Large vehicles such as semi-trucks also require more time and distance to slow down or stop.
Head-on and multi-vehicle collisions are more likely when passing rules are ignored. Even a brief attempt to pass can quickly become dangerous if an oncoming vehicle appears sooner than expected.
Because of these risks, traffic laws strictly limit passing in certain zones to reduce the chances of high-speed crashes.
