Tragic Crash Near Yellowstone: 7 Lives Lost in Tour Van and Pickup Collision

A tragic accident occurred in Idaho near Yellowstone National Park on Thursday evening, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The Idaho State Police reported that a pickup truck collided with a passenger van, both of which caught fire following the crash.

The van, a Mercedes, was carrying a tour group of 14 people when the crash happened just before 7:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 20, close to Henry’s Lake—an area popular for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Unfortunately, six individuals in the van lost their lives, along with the truck driver, identified as 25-year-old Isaiah Moreno from Texas.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Due to the severe injuries involved, air ambulances were called to transport the surviving individuals to medical facilities.

Fremont County Coroner Brenda Dye is working to identify the six victims from the van. She noted that DNA testing is necessary because the bodies were severely burned. The victims were visiting from abroad, with at least two reported to be from Italy.

Heroic efforts were made at the scene by two bystanders, who managed to pull eight people from the van before it was completely engulfed in flames. The highway was closed for nearly seven hours to allow emergency responders to clear the area.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of road travel, especially in tourist areas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of traffic-related fatalities has risen significantly in recent years, with approximately 42,060 deaths reported in 2020 alone.

As communities reflect on such heartbreaking events, the need for increased safety measures on our roads becomes more apparent. Everyone on the road deserves to arrive safely at their destination.



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National Parks, Monuments and Seashores,Sports Utility Vehicles and Light Trucks,Idaho,Yellowstone National Park