One killed, one injured in a fatal accident on Highway 30

A Saratoga man was killed instantly in a fatal accident on Highway 30 with one motorist receiving minor injuries.

On March 11, at approximately 1:07 p.m., troopers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to milepost 239 on US 30/287 for a head-on collision with injuries.

According to Trooper Ryan W. Gerdes, Public Information Officer for the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when 70-year-old Rickey Bales of Hanna, Wyoming crossed the centerline.

“Troopers determined an eastbound 1997 Toyota Tacoma driven by Bales crossed the centerline and struck a commercial vehicle driving the opposite direction.” Gredes said.

“The westbound vehicle, a 2001 Peterbilt 378 conventional owned by Plattoga Holdings LLC, was driven by 58-year-old Saratoga, Wyoming resident Brian Detterer.”

Gredes said that the force of the collision destroyed the left tires of the Tacoma, causing it to spin several times and strike a guardrail.

“When the Tacoma struck the Peterbilt, it took out the left front steer tire of the Peterbilt.” Gredes said. “This caused the Peterbilt to travel off the left side of the road, go through a guardrail, down an embankment and roll over.”

Gredes said Detterer was partially ejected despite wearing his seat belt and died at the scene. Bales wore his seatbelt and sustained minor injuries.

“Troopers cited Bales for Failing to Maintain a Single Lane of Travel,” Gredes said. “The Wyoming Highway Patrol gratefully acknowledges the assistance of our first responder partners on this event.”