A devastating collision near Yellowstone National Park last week claimed seven lives after a pickup truck crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 20 and struck a tour van, according to an Idaho State Police investigation. The crash occurred Thursday evening near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, approximately 16 miles west of Yellowstone’s western entrance.
The Mercedes passenger van was carrying 13 people – 12 Chinese tourists and one Italian tourist – plus the driver. The victims included five Chinese tourists, the Italian tourist, and the 25-year-old pickup truck driver, Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas. DNA testing will be required to identify the remaining deceased due to the severity of the crash.
The collision happened under clear weather conditions as the westbound Dodge Ram pickup truck crossed into the eastbound lane and hit the van head-on. Both vehicles caught fire upon impact. Eight people from the van survived with injuries.
The Idaho State Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the pickup truck’s deviation into oncoming traffic. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also launched an independent investigation due to the involvement of a commercial vehicle and the crash’s severity. NTSB personnel have examined the scene and are reviewing evidence.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing popularity of national parks among international visitors. Recent data shows that 36% of international air travelers to the U.S. list visiting national parks and monuments as their primary leisure activity.
