A devastating collision between a pickup truck and a tour van on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho has resulted in seven fatalities and left eight others injured. The crash occurred just before 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Idaho State Police.
The tour van was carrying a group of 15 people, including visitors from outside the United States, two of whom were from Italy. The van was traveling west on Highway 20 when it collided with the pickup truck, which was identified as being driven by Isaih Moren, 22, of Humbolt, Texas. The identities of the other occupants of both vehicles have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation, with officials working to identify the occupants of the van and determine the cause of the collision. The Idaho State Police are coordinating with local hospitals and other agencies to ensure that those injured receive proper care.
The area where the crash occurred is a popular tourist route, particularly during peak travel seasons to Yellowstone National Park, which is located about 16 miles east of the crash site. The incident has highlighted concerns about road safety in the region, especially with heavy tourist traffic.
Local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads and are working to improve safety measures. The Idaho Transportation Department has been involved in efforts to identify and address potential safety hazards on the highway.
Rogers Merrill, 31, was driving home when he witnessed the flames engulfing the two vehicles as bystanders tried to help survivors from the van. “It’s a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park,” he said, expressing concern about the safety of the road.
The Idaho State Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward to assist in their investigation. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in areas with high volumes of tourist traffic.
