CASPER, WY — A commercial tanker truck ran into stopped traffic west of Casper on Friday afternoon, triggering an eight-vehicle crash that left two people dead and eight others injured, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Investigators say the wreck happened in a one-lane construction zone on U.S. Highway 20/26, about 45 miles northwest of the city.
The patrol said driver inattention is being considered a possible factor. As of Wednesday, no criminal charges had been announced and the investigation was still open.
How The Crash Unfolded
The Highway Patrol said the westbound 2024 Western Star tanker failed to stop at mile marker 58.3 for a line of vehicles waiting to enter the work zone. It struck a Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Outback, Chevrolet Camaro, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Impala.
The crash involved 17 people in all. Seven escaped injury, while two died and eight were hurt.
Victims Identified In Colorado
The Natrona County Coroner’s Office identified the people who died as James Faris Cox, 74, and Susan Horn Cox, 69, of Golden, Colorado. A family member said the couple was traveling to Ennis, Montana.
The Highway Patrol said both were wearing seat belts. It also said the weather was clear and the road was dry, with no rollover or fixed-object collision contributing to the wreck.
Injured Taken To Hospitals
The patrol said a 3-year-old and an adult man in the Highlander were flown to Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. A 1-year-old and an adult woman from the same vehicle were taken by ambulance, treated and released.
Two other people were taken by ambulance to Casper and treated and released. The driver and a passenger in the 4Runner, both adults, were also hospitalized at Banner Wyoming Medical Center.
Bystanders Helped At Scene
Witnesses told Cowboy State Daily they first thought traffic had simply stopped for the construction project ahead. Some people got out of their vehicles to help before emergency crews arrived, checking for fire extinguishers, comforting victims and helping a child who was still secured in a car seat.
The Natrona County Fire District later thanked bystanders for helping victims, offering shelter during a passing thunder cell and providing emotional support and minor patient care while crews were en route. The crash remains under investigation.
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