A devastating collision between a tour van and pickup truck near Yellowstone National Park resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries on Thursday evening.
According to Daily Mail, the crash occurred at 7:15 PM on US Highway 20 near Henry's Lake State Park, claiming the lives of seven people, including 25-year-old tour van driver Isaiah Moreno and leaving eight others injured.
The Mercedes tour van carrying 14 passengers collided with a Dodge Ram pickup truck approximately 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. Both vehicles burst into flames following the impact. Two quick-thinking bystanders managed to rescue eight passengers, including a child, before the tour van became completely engulfed in flames.
Roger Merrill, 60, who witnessed the tragic incident, captured video footage of the intense fire and billowing smoke at the crash site.
He expressed concerns about emergency response times due to the remote location:
It is a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It's extremely busy. It took an unnervingly long time for help to arrive just because of the location.
The highway sees an average of 10,500 vehicles daily, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. The agency had previously identified the stretch of road for safety improvements, though the project remains in early stages.
The Fremont County Coroner, Brenda Dye, confirmed that all six passengers who died were international tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park. Two of the deceased were identified as Italian nationals, while the remaining four victims' countries of origin are still pending confirmation.
The severity of the crash left several victims unrecognizable, necessitating DNA testing for proper identification. Emergency crews worked through the night, with the highway remaining closed in both directions until 2 AM Friday.
Idaho State Police are leading the investigation into the cause of the deadly collision. Authorities continue working to notify the families of those involved in the incident.
The crash location's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, which attracts over 4 million visitors annually, has raised questions about traffic safety in the area. The highway serves as a crucial access point to one of America's most iconic natural landmarks.
Air ambulances and emergency paramedics responded to the scene, transporting survivors to nearby hospitals. The extent of the injuries among the eight survivors has not been disclosed by authorities.
The fatal crash near Yellowstone National Park resulted in seven deaths, including 25-year-old tour van driver Isaiah Moreno and six international tourists. The incident occurred when a Mercedes tour van carrying 14 passengers collided with a Dodge Ram pickup truck on US Highway 20, resulting in a fiery explosion that required DNA testing to identify some victims.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the cause of the crash while addressing concerns about highway safety near one of America's most visited national parks. Eight survivors received medical treatment, though their current conditions remain undisclosed as officials focus on notifying victims' families and gathering additional details about the tragic incident.
