Railcar explosion southeast of Shoshoni claimed two lives yesterday

FREMONT COUNTY, Wyo. (PRESS RELEASE) -

At approximately 3:24 P.M. on April 21, 2021 a loud explosion was heard to the southeast of Shoshoni. Initial reports were received by Fremont County Dispatch of a railcar explosion at approximately 3:26 P.M. at Wasatch Railcar Repair, 8 Muskrat Rd with possible injuries. Officers with the Shoshoni Police Department responded and arrived at approximately 3:28 P.M. and learned that at least two persons were unresponsive inside of a rail car tanker.

Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Fire, AMR ground ambulance and Guardian Life flight were immediately dispatched to respond to a multiple casualty incident.

Due to the high level of noxious gases encountered, a specialized confined quarters response team was requested from Casper Fire. Two deceased male persons, aged 28 and 18 were recovered from inside the tanker; identifications will be made by the Fremont County Coroner’s Office pending family notifications.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation and will be coordinated with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Railroad Association (FRA).

Shoshoni Police Department Chief Konija stated, “Obviously it is a small community, Fremont County in general, Wyoming in general really, and it really hits close to home. A lot of these people know each other and those that were involved, and had relationships with them. We’re looking for resources to deploy to try and help get them through this time.”

Copyright 2021 Wyoming News Now. All rights reserved.