A devastating crash near Yellowstone National Park has left seven people dead and several others injured after a fiery two-vehicle collision on a major tourist route in Idaho.
At a Glance
- Seven fatalities in collision near Yellowstone National Park
- Crash occurred on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake
- Mercedes tour van and Dodge Ram pickup truck engulfed in flames
- Idaho State Police leading a multi-agency investigation
- Route’s safety now under scrutiny due to heavy tourist traffic
Fiery Collision Claims Lives
Around 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, a Mercedes-Benz passenger van carrying 14 people collided with a Dodge Ram pickup truck along U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake in eastern Idaho, a route heavily trafficked by visitors to Yellowstone National Park. As reported by ABC News, both vehicles erupted into flames upon impact.
According to the BBC, six of the deceased were international tourists inside the van, while the seventh fatality was the pickup truck’s driver. Authorities said it appeared the vehicles may have collided head-on, causing catastrophic damage.
Watch ABC’s report on the tragedy at 7 killed in fiery crash between tour van, pickup truck near Yellowstone National Park.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Bystanders and first responders rushed to the scene to help the injured. Several victims were airlifted to hospitals in serious condition. Two survivors remain hospitalized, while others have been treated and released. The Idaho State Police are working to determine the exact cause of the crash, investigating factors such as driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and road visibility at the time.
Roger Merrill, one of the first on the scene, told the BBC, “It is a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s extremely busy.”
Calls for Travel Safety Reforms
The tragedy has reignited concern over the safety of U.S. Highway 20, a key gateway to Yellowstone that experiences significant seasonal congestion. Idaho officials, including Governor Brad Little, have expressed condolences and pledged support for efforts to enhance highway safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, noting the complexity of the case and the need for next-of-kin notifications. The Chinese consulate has confirmed some of the deceased were Chinese nationals and expressed sympathy to the victims’ families, according to Xinhua.
This deadly incident serves as a somber reminder of the high stakes associated with road safety on popular tourist routes. As community leaders and safety officials call for reform, the Yellowstone-area crash may become a catalyst for critical infrastructure and traffic safety improvements across Idaho.
