WORLAND — Tragedy struck on the morning of Wednesday, July 16, when a head-on collision along U.S. Highway 20 near mile-marker 161, just outside of Worland, claimed the lives of two Texas residents. According to a preliminary report released by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), driver inattention is believed to be a contributing factor in the fatal crash.
The accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. in the southbound lane near the Wyoming Boys’ School, a stretch of roadway that includes a designated passing lane but has recently become the focus of public concern due to visibility and signage issues.
The WHP reported that a 2008 GMC Sierra pickup truck, traveling southbound, was following closely behind a tractor-trailer combination unit. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC attempted to pass the semi-truck in the passing lane but crossed into the northbound lane, directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The result was a catastrophic head-on collision, instantly drawing first responders to the scene and leading to the closure of that stretch of highway for several hours.
The two occupants of the GMC Sierra—both residents of Texas—were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending formal notification of family. The driver and any passengers in the other vehicle involved sustained injuries, but their current conditions have not been made public.
Investigators from WHP, along with local law enforcement and emergency medical crews, worked for hours at the site, carefully reconstructing the scene to understand the chain of events that led to the collision. Preliminary findings strongly indicate driver inattention on the part of the GMC driver as a likely cause. No signs of impairment have been reported at this time.
Public Response and Concerns About the Roadway
Following the incident, numerous concerned residents and motorists took to social media to voice their frustrations about the safety of that particular stretch of US-20. Many pointed to the passing lane design, limited visibility, and lack of warning signage as ongoing issues that have made the area prone to dangerous driving decisions and near-miss accidents.
“I drive that road almost every day, and the way it curves with the passing lane can make it hard to see oncoming traffic,” one local commenter wrote. “It’s a tragedy that could’ve been avoided.”
Others echoed calls for the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to reevaluate the road’s layout and improve signage and striping to reduce confusion, particularly during high-traffic hours.
A Grim Reminder of the Dangers of Distracted Driving
The crash serves as yet another grim reminder of the devastating consequences of distracted or inattentive driving. The Wyoming Highway Patrol has long emphasized the importance of keeping full focus while behind the wheel, particularly on rural highways where high speeds and limited shoulders offer little room for error.
“Even a few seconds of inattention can cost lives,” said one WHP trooper on scene. “It’s critical that drivers remain alert at all times—especially when attempting to pass or navigate unfamiliar roadways.”
In 2024 alone, Wyoming reported over 1,100 crashes attributed to distracted driving, with several resulting in fatalities. Officials hope this latest tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for all drivers to slow down, stay focused, and respect the risks that come with every mile of road.
Investigation Ongoing
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. As more details emerge, they will be made available to the public. In the meantime, local officials have offered their condolences to the victims’ families and are urging drivers to exercise increased caution along U.S. Highway 20, particularly in the area surrounding mile-marker 161.
For now, the highway has reopened, but the memory of that fatal morning—and the lives lost—linger heavily in the hearts of all those affected.
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