WILSON, Wyo. — An out-of-control dump truck careened down Teton Pass Tuesday, slamming into a motorcycle and several other vehicles before overturning in a wreck that left two dead, four injured and a critical mountain corridor between Jackson Hole and Idaho shut down for hours, authorities said.
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers responded around noon Tuesday to the crash on Wyoming Highway 22 near Wilson, just east of the Idaho state line. Preliminary investigation reportedly suggests brake failure on the dump truck may have been a contributing factor, though troopers said it was too early to release definitive details on the cause.
The dump truck was hauling asphalt down the pass when it lost control, colliding with a motorcycle, two pickup trucks, a Subaru and glancing another vehicle before overturning and coming to rest on its side, authorities said.
The crash killed two people at the scene. Teton County Coroner Brent Blue confirmed the deaths. Four others were transported by ambulance to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson with minor to moderate injuries.
Emergency responders arriving on scene found a large section of the highway blocked by multiple disabled passenger vehicles, the overturned dump truck and an asphalt spill from the truck's load.
WYDOT webcam footage showed the spill appeared cleaned up by around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday — but the investigation and recovery operation kept Highway 22 closed in both directions until early Wednesday morning.
"This was a complex and tragic incident," said Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Incident Commander Chris Stiehl. "Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured. We are grateful for the professionalism and coordinated efforts of all the agencies that responded."
The Wyoming Highway Patrol also extended its deepest sympathy to the families of those who died.
The names of the crash victims have not yet been released. The investigation remains active and ongoing.



(2) comments
Most, but not all, dump trucks have poor braking systems, especially if loaded. Brakes should be tested before going uphill or downhill. 2 People dead, someone must be held accountable.
And exactly how would you have them do these tests, Bill? Stop in the middle of the road at the bottom of each hill, and at the top each hill before going down? As if traffic isn't bad enough as it is.
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