WRC tunnel wreck closes highway

Roads were closed for over five hours through Wind River Canyon on Saturday, after a wreck that occurred at a 2:20 p.m. at milepost 116 on Highway 20 in Fremont County, inside the north tunnel in the canyon. A jackknifed semi tractor-trailer blocked both lanes of travel.

The roads were closed until the wreckers removed the damaged vehicles. The wreckers, Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Regina Schulmeister stated, did an amazing job removing the totaled vehicles and debris that was spread all over the roadway. This allowed motorists trapped in the canyon to continue on their way after approximately three hours. Five school buses had to be turned around to Shoshoni due to the road closure.

According to information from Dennis Russell, in a display of community service Shoshoni Schools Superintendent, Bruce Thoren, opened the high school in Shoshoni for 120 students, parents and bus drivers. While at the school, they watched a movie to pass the time.

Trooper Schulmeister responded to the accident from Thermopolis, and en route to the crash site the roads were dry. It was, however, starting to snow in Thermopolis.

A southbound semi tractor-trailer, driven by 61-year-old Robert McGuire of Brighton, Colo. and estimated to be travelling about 40-45 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone, took the north tunnel too fast. Due to frost on the road, his vehicle crossed the double yellow line and entered the northbound lane.

Sixty-one-year-old James Debock of Powell was northbound driving a Dodge truck towing a trailer with a Jeep Laredo on it, doing the speed limit.

Debock moved his vehicle to the right as much as he could, but due to a narrow emergency shoulder, sidewalk and canyon walls, he was unable to get out of the semi's way.

Both vehicles made contact as if they were sideswiping each other. The front driver's side door of Debock's vehicle completely peeled off upon contact. Debock suffered minor injuries to his left arm including abrasions and a shoulder sprain, and he was transported to the hospital in Riverton.

McGuire suffered minor injuries to his leg. In addition to jackknifing, the truck also had a broken front axle. McGuire was also cited for failure to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions and careless driving. A witness saw McGuire driving too fast as he entered the tunnels.

Both drivers had their seat belts on, Schulmeister stated, which saved their lives

Schulmeister further stated Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) had flashing amber lights at milepost 127 indicating, "Roads may be icy next 14 miles." This sign was flashing since the evening of Friday, Jan. 19. Also, right before the tunnels there are two speed limit signs slowing drivers down to 45 mph first and then to 35 mph. This last sign also has flashing white lights all around it.

Needless to say, Schulmeister noted, there is a big sign stating "THREE TUNNELS AHEAD, MAY BE ICY" as you come into the tunnels.

After assessment by WYDOT, no structural damages to the tunnel were found. However, there is approximately 300 feet of road surface damage when the tractor was pulled out of the tunnel.