ISLAND PARK, ID – A tragic accident just outside Yellowstone National Park has left at least seven people dead after a head-on collision between a truck and a tour van. The crash occurred on Highway 20, near the park’s entrance, and involved a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes tour van filled with foreign tourists. Emergency responders, including a medical helicopter, were quickly dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals as flames engulfed the vehicles.
The tour van, carrying 14 passengers, was struck by the pickup truck, leading to a fiery wreck. Among the passengers, six lost their lives, while the remaining eight sustained injuries. The driver of the pickup, a 25-year-old, was also killed in the collision. The crash forced the closure of the highway for nearly seven hours as authorities began their investigation into the cause of the accident.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as drivers, some of whom were also foreign nationals, stopped to assist the injured. Roger Merrill, one of the first people on the scene, noted that by the time he arrived, several travelers were already providing aid, offering blankets and helping with translation for the victims.
The investigation into the accident’s cause is ongoing, with authorities examining the possibility of a head-on collision based on the vehicles’ positions on the highway. The identities of the deceased are being withheld until their families can be notified, a process that may take time due to the accident’s complexity.
As the investigation continues, local officials are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads, especially in areas near popular tourist destinations like Yellowstone National Park. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of travel and the importance of safety measures.
Highway 20, a major route for tourists visiting Yellowstone, is often busy, particularly during peak travel seasons. The accident’s proximity to the park underscores the need for vigilance when driving in such areas.
Authorities are working meticulously to piece together the events leading up to the crash and are expected to release more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, the region mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of those injured in this devastating incident.