Devastating Crash Near Yellowstone National Park Claims Seven Lives
A tragic accident occurred on Thursday night, May 1, 2025, on U.S. Highway 20 in Fremont County, Idaho, near Yellowstone National Park. Idaho State Police reported that seven people lost their lives when a Dodge Ram pickup truck collided with a Mercedes passenger van carrying a tour group of 14 individuals.
The crash happened at approximately 7:15 p.m. at milepost 399 on eastbound U.S. Highway 20, about 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, near Henry’s Lake State Park. Both vehicles caught fire following the impact. The Mercedes van was traveling eastbound toward the national park, while the Dodge Ram pickup was heading westbound.
The Idaho State Police confirmed that six occupants of the van and the driver of the Dodge Ram pickup truck were declared deceased at the scene. The remaining individuals were transported to local hospitals with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Three of the injured were airlifted, while others were taken by ground ambulance.
The deceased driver of the Dodge Ram pickup has been identified as Isaih Moreno, 25, of Humble, Texas. The identification of the other victims is pending, with notifications to their next of kin expected to take some time.
A Fremont County Sheriff’s deputy arrived shortly after the crash and, with the assistance of bystanders, helped injured occupants from the van as it caught fire. Roger Merrill, a witness driving home, described seeing flames engulfing both vehicles and bystanders attempting to care for survivors. He noted that the highway is particularly dangerous due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park’s main entrance.
“It is a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park,” Merrill said. “It’s extremely busy.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, led by the Idaho State Police with assistance from local and regional partners. The Fremont County Coroner’s Office is working to determine the cause and manner of death for each individual.
The incident highlights the risks associated with traveling on highways leading to popular tourist destinations like Yellowstone National Park.
