Laramie, WY (March 11, 2026) – A stretch of Interstate 80 in southern Wyoming was temporarily closed following multiple crashes involving dozens of vehicles, prompting helicopter evacuations and a large emergency response.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the closures affected Interstate 80 between Laramie and Sinclair, Wyoming.
Authorities reported that one of the largest crashes occurred near mile marker 259 in the eastbound lanes, where approximately 20 vehicles were involved in a major collision.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and determined that two people required urgent medical transport. Both individuals were evacuated from the crash site by helicopter to receive further treatment.
Officials said additional crashes were also reported along the same stretch of highway, including incidents between mile markers 264 and 269.
Crews worked to secure the crash scenes, assist those involved, and remove damaged vehicles from the roadway. They also conducted safety assessments of nearby bridges to ensure they were not damaged during the incidents.
Investigators noted that road conditions were especially dangerous due to melting ice combined with strong winds that were blowing snow and slush across the highway surface.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol implemented a rolling closure along the interstate while crews responded to the crashes and cleared the roadway. Officials initially estimated that the highway could reopen between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Authorities also urged drivers traveling through the region to reduce speed and maintain a greater following distance during hazardous winter conditions.
The crashes remain under investigation.
We hope for a full recovery for those injured in these incidents.
How Do Winter Road Conditions Contribute to Large Highway Crashes?
Winter weather can dramatically increase the risk of multi-vehicle crashes on major highways such as Interstate 80.
Ice, melting snow, and slush can reduce tire traction and make it harder for drivers to stop quickly. When strong winds push snow or moisture across the roadway, the surface can become unexpectedly slick, especially in open areas like those commonly found in Wyoming.
When vehicles are traveling at highway speeds in these conditions, even one loss of control can trigger a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles. Investigators reviewing incidents like the crashes reported between Laramie and Sinclair, Wyoming, often analyze weather conditions, vehicle spacing, and driver reactions to determine how the collisions occurred.
