PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WYOMING HIGHWAY PATROL

Travelers on Hwy 30 between Kemmerer and Opal encountered a significant delay after a three-vehicle accident involving a semi truck hauling cargo on Tuesday, November 18. 

According to information provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), the incident took place at approximately 6:15 p.m. Two semi-trucks were headed eastbound when a third semi-truck, headed westbound, drifted across the center line where it sideswiped the lead semi from the opposite direction. The momentum then took the westbound truck into the second trailing semi and forced it across the road where it overturned. The trailer then broke apart and spilled its cargo. 

“Thankfully the driver was wearing his seatbelt so he was okay,” stated Lt. Arnell of the WHP. “He was able to exit the vehicle.”

Highway 30 was closed for more than two hours while officials and first responders cleared the roadway and worked the scene. 

No injuries were reported with first aid being rendered on the scene. 

• Citations

The driver of the westbound semi-truck was issued a citation for failure to maintain a single lane of travel. However, two other passenger trucks were issued citations because of their driving behavior at the scene. One truck from California and the other from Wyoming, they both  drove around emergency personnel as they worked the scene, ignoring the blocked road instructions. 

“They blew right past the lights and almost impacted personnel,” Lt. Arnell added. We’d like to please remind people to wear your seatbelts. Also, when the road is blocked, there is a reason for that. It puts people in danger when you ignore those warnings.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WYOMING HIGHWAY PATROL

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WYOMING HIGHWAY PATROL