First responders were on the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday afternoon in the Snake River Canyon. This was the second such accident in a three-day span. 

RELATED: ALPINE FIRE RESPONDS TO HEAD-ON IN SNAKE RIVER CANYON –

According to information provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) a 3/4 ton Chevy pickup was traveling southbound on US 26/89 between Jackson and Alpine when the driver fell asleep and veered into the northbound lane where the vehicle struck the guard rail. Upon impact, the driver woke up and then attempted to correct and struck another vehicle in what the WHP described as a “glancing head-on” collision. The occupants of the vehicles, including a young minor in the pickup all escaped serious injury with seatbelts, airbags and a child safety seat in use. 

The accident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday July 30 near mile marker 128. The road was closed for an estimated 15-20 minutes.

“They were all very fortunate in that one,” replied Trooper Andrew Jackson with the WHP. He also praised the Alpine Fire Department for their continued work and professionalism. 

“The Alpine people are top notch,” he added. They are not even getting paid and they help us out quite a bit and they are the ones who catch the brunt of this. We appreciate what they do.”

Trooper Jackson noted that while this particular incident was not necessarily affected by speed and driver behavior, most of the accidents the WHP has responded to this summer and in general are byproducts of those points. 

“In the case of being tired, please have someone else drive,” he said. “But please be patient and watch the speed limits. People are in too much of a hurry.”