A devastating collision occurred last week near Yellowstone National Park when a pickup truck crossed the center line of U.S. Highway 20 and struck a tour van, resulting in seven fatalities, according to an Idaho State Police investigation report released on Tuesday. The crash happened on Thursday evening near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, approximately 16 miles west of Yellowstone’s western entrance.
The Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by 25-year-old Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas, was traveling west when it veered into oncoming traffic and collided with a Mercedes passenger van heading east toward Yellowstone. The van was carrying 12 Chinese tourists, one Italian tourist, and their driver. The crash and subsequent fire claimed the lives of five Chinese tourists, the Italian tourist, and Moreno. The van’s driver and eight other passengers survived with injuries.
“Investigating troopers have determined that the Dodge Ram pickup crossed the line on U.S. Highway 20 and struck the Mercedes passenger van,” police stated. The exact cause of the pickup truck’s deviation into oncoming traffic remains under investigation. Video footage from the scene confirmed clear weather conditions at the time of the accident. Both vehicles caught fire following the collision, complicating identification efforts. DNA testing will be required to identify some of the victims.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an independent investigation due to the crash’s severity and the involvement of a commercial vehicle. NTSB personnel have visited the crash site and are reviewing evidence. This additional scrutiny highlights the significance of the incident and the need for a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The incident occurred in a region that is popular with international visitors, with 36% of international air arrivals to the U.S. listing visits to national parks and monuments as their primary leisure activity, according to recent data from the International Trade Administration. The crash has drawn attention to the safety of travel in and around national park areas, particularly for international tourists.
