Two people are dead after an explosion outside Shoshoni, with the cause of the tragedy unknown and under investigation.
The incident occurred around 3:24 p.m. Wednesday at the Wasatch Railcar Repair facility in Shoshoni. The facility is located just a few blocks from Shoshoni’s downtown and Highway 26.
The Casper Star Tribune reports police responded within four minutes of hearing a large explosion from Wasatch Rail Repair. Once on the scene, they learned there were two men inside a rail car tanker. Both men were unresponsive.
High levels of noxious gases permeated the area, which forced the responding officers to pull back. The Shoshoni Police Department requested a special confined quarters team from the Casper Fire Department.
Responding agencies include the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Fire, AMR ground ambulance, and Guardian Lifeflight.
By the time the two men were recovered from the tanker, both were dead. Neither victim has been identified at this time.
The Shoshoni Police Department is investigating the incident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A) and the Federal Railroad Association are working with investigators.
Wasatch Railcar Repair Services has yet to comment on the incident. The company is headquartered in Cheyenne and offers several freight car restoration services.
As of Thursday. April 22, no additional information is available. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
