Collision on Highway to Yellowstone National Park Claims Seven Lives
A devastating crash occurred on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho on Thursday evening, resulting in seven fatalities and eight injuries. The Idaho State Police reported that a pickup truck and a tour van collided just before 7:15 p.m., with both vehicles catching fire.
The crash happened as the Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling west, while the Mercedes van, carrying a tour group of 14 people, was heading east toward Yellowstone National Park. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as 25-year-old Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas, was among the deceased, along with six occupants of the van. The identities of the others are pending confirmation.
Eight survivors were taken to various hospitals with injuries; two were flown to an Idaho Falls hospital, and one to a Bozeman, Montana, hospital. The conditions of the injured were not disclosed. The remaining survivors were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Video footage from the scene indicated clear weather conditions at the time of the accident. Witness Roger Merrill, who was driving home when he witnessed the collision, described the highway as “extremely busy” and “very dangerous” due to its proximity to Yellowstone’s main entrance.
Merrill’s video captured the wreckage with the van engulfed in smoke. He noted that the remote location delayed the arrival of first responders. However, a Fremont County sheriff’s deputy arrived shortly after the crash and, assisted by bystanders, helped the injured van occupants as the vehicle caught fire.
The Idaho Transportation Department has previously identified this highway section for safety improvements to reduce crash severity. The project is currently in the research and planning phase. In 2023, this portion of the highway recorded an average daily traffic volume of approximately 10,500 vehicles.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
