Responding 'when it rains'

First responders in Green River have had a busy and difficult few weeks. Following a pile-up crash at the Interstate 80 westbound tunnel on February 14, local first responders have also had to respond to another fatal crash as well as a house fire.

"When it rains, it pours," as the Green River Fire Department said.

Less than a week after the tunnel accident that claimed three lives, another vehicular crash claimed two more lives, this time of Green River residents.

On Wednesday, February 19, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a fatal crash occurred outside of Green River, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reported in a press release. The crash took place at mile marker 83 on Wyoming Highway 374, south of the Interstate-80 interchange, and resulted in two fatalities and one injury.

"A southbound 2011 Honda Odyssey was approaching a sharp left curve on WYO 374 when a westbound 2020 Volvo tractor-trailer combination unit failed to negotiate the same curve," the press release explained. "The Volvo collided broadside with the driver's side of the Honda."

The Honda had three occupants, two of whom died in the accident. The driver, Jeffrey Wilson, 47, and rear passenger Kathrine Franklin, 32, both of Green River, sustained fatal injuries. Both Wilson and Franklin worked at Desert View Eye Care.

"The third occupant was transported to the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County via ground ambulance," the press release stated. "The driver of the Volvo sustained no apparent injuries."

Charges are pending until the investigation is complete, WHP reported.

The WHP also noted in the press release that the crash was "not part of the I-80 detour." Due to the accident in the westbound tunnel, I-80 traffic was initially rerouted through Green River along West Flaming Gorge Way, and has been moved head-to-head through the eastbound tunnel since Thursday, February 20.

Another recent incident took place even closer to the tunnel accident, when the Green River Fire Department (GRFD) responded to a house fire in Green River the same weekend.

In the early hours of the morning, at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, Green River Fire Department, along with Green River Police Department, Castle Rock Ambulance, and Sweetwater Combined Communications Center, responded to a report of a structure fire at a home located at on North 5th East, behind Arctic Circle, GRFD reported.

"GRPD officers arrived first and quickly assisted in evacuating the residents," the fire department explained in a press release. "GRFD units were on scene within minutes, with Captain J.P. Apostolope and Fire Chief Bill Robinson assessing the situation."

Captain Apostolope took command, directing crews from three fire engines, including a tower truck, and a total of 15 firefighters, according to GRFD. It was determined that the fire had originated in the attic. Firefighters located the fire in the kitchen area near a ceiling fan.

"Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated teamwork of all first responders, crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire within minutes, preventing it from spreading beyond the area of origin," GRFD said.

After bringing the fire under control, firefighters conducted mop-up operations and an initial investigation, the press release explained. While the fire remains under review, early indications suggest it was electrical in nature. Though the family was temporarily displaced, their home remains structurally sound and is expected to be repairable.

"Despite the challenges of the weekend, we are grateful to report that no injuries occurred among residents or emergency personnel," GRFD said.

The fire department expressed their "heartfelt gratitude" to the GRPD officers who assisted in evacuations, the dispatchers at Sweetwater Combined Communications Center for their quick coordination, and their partners at Castle Rock EMS for their unwavering support.

"Most importantly, we commend the resilience of the affected family and the dedication of our firefighters and first responders, who continue to answer the call no matter the circumstances," GRFD said. "We know it's been a tough stretch, but we're proud to serve this community and stand ready to protect it - rain or shine. Stay safe, Green River."