RAWLINS, Wyo. — One person died Saturday afternoon in a truck-on-car collision near Rawlins after the two collided head-on, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
The wreck occurred at around 12:45 p.m. near mile marker 8.5 along US 287. The driver of a Freightliner semi truck was headed south when they lost control of their vehicle and crossed into the northbound lane.
Upon sliding into the oncoming lane, the semi truck crashed head-on into a Toyota Avalon. The Toyota driver, identified as 76-year-old Wyoming resident Lillian Martin, attempted to avoid the collision but they collided head-on, the WHP report states.
The WHP initially reported that the Toyota became engulfed in flames, however, family members who were present at the scene have told Oil City News the car did not catch fire.
In its report, the Wyoming Highway Patrol lists speed as a possible contributing factor for the crash, also noting that vision was limited by blowing snow and that roads were slushy with melting ice.
This story contains preliminary information as provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol via the Wyoming Department of Transportation Fatal Crash Summary map. The information may be subject to change.
CORRECTION, Feb. 27, 2024: The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported the Toyota caught fire. Family members said it did not. The information has been added to the story.
