On April 9, 2020, a crash occurred around milepost 229 on Interstate 80 east of Sinclair, Wyoming. At 5:38 a.m., Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the area for a motor vehicle collision.
A driver of a 2017 Freightliner commercial truck failed to maintain his lane after falling asleep. The commercial vehicle exited the roadway and traveled down an embankment before coming to a stop in the North Platte River.
Carbon County Search and Rescue and the Wyoming Game and Fish responded to the scene. The Carbon County Search and Rescue used their boat to assist in retrieving the occupants from the truck. The driver and passenger received minor injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Game and Fish and Carbon County Fire Department worked to contain any hazardous material leaking from the truck.
Driver fatigue is being investigated as a possible contributing factor. The driver was cited for failing to maintain his lane of travel.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminds motorists to pull off in a safe, designated area to get some rest if feeling fatigued, and always wear your seatbelt.
A special thanks to all emergency responders who assisted with this event and containment of the hazardous materials leak.