Seven people perished in a devastating collision between a tour van and a pickup truck near Yellowstone National Park, leaving investigators searching for answers as foreign tourists and a Texas driver became victims of the fiery crash.
At a Glance
- A Mercedes tour van carrying 14 people collided with a Dodge Ram pickup on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake, Idaho
- Six foreign nationals in the van and the pickup driver died in the crash that occurred Thursday evening around 7:15 p.m.
- The pickup driver was identified as 25-year-old Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas
- Both vehicles were engulfed in flames shortly after the collision, causing catastrophic damage
- Chinese state media reported that five Chinese tourists were among the fatalities
Catastrophic Collision Claims Multiple Lives
A routine scenic drive near one of America’s most treasured national parks turned tragic Thursday evening when a Mercedes tour van carrying 14 people collided with a Dodge Ram pickup truck on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake in eastern Idaho.
The deadly crash occurred around 7:15 p.m., resulting in the deaths of seven people – six foreign nationals in the van and the lone occupant of the pickup truck. The pickup driver was later identified as 25-year-old Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas, according to information released by authorities.
The aftermath of the collision was captured by passerby Roger Merrill, whose photographs show the horrific scene engulfed in flames and smoke. “It had appeared they had maybe hit head-on — catastrophic damage to both,” Merrill reported. The force of the impact and subsequent fire left both vehicles devastated, requiring emergency responders to conduct a complex rescue and recovery operation that closed the highway for nearly seven hours.
International Victims and Emergency Response
According to Chinese state media reports, five Chinese tourists were among those who lost their lives in the tragic accident. Additionally, two Italian tourists were reportedly among the fatalities. The identities of all victims have not been officially released as authorities work through the complex process of notification and confirmation. The Chinese consulate has expressed condolences and is reportedly in contact with the injured survivors and the families of the deceased tourists.
“Due to the complexity of the incident, the identification of all individuals involved and notification of their next of kin will take time,” the Idaho State Police stated in their official release.Â
All surviving crash victims were transported to various hospitals for treatment. Three individuals were airlifted due to the severity of their injuries, while others were transported via ground ambulance. Madison Memorial Hospital reported that two survivors remain in stable condition, while three others were treated and released. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center received two additional patients, though their conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
Community Response and Highway Safety Concerns
Local residents who witnessed the aftermath rushed to assist before first responders arrived on scene. “Good Samaritans had already come out to help. There were several other pickup trucks alongside the road that were assisting,” Merrill noted. The rural highway, which serves as a main artery leading to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, has long been a concern for local residents due to the heavy tourist traffic it experiences, particularly during the peak summer months.
“It is a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s extremely busy,” Merrill observed about the stretch of U.S. Highway 20 where the crash occurred.Â
Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that state officials are working diligently to determine the cause of the crash. The Idaho State Police continue their investigation into the incident, examining all possible factors that may have contributed to the collision. The tragedy has shaken both the local community and international visitors who flock to Yellowstone National Park, which spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana and attracts approximately four million tourists annually.
