Driver crosses center line, causing deadly crash near Yellowstone
- A Dodge Ram pickup truck crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 20, colliding with a tour van.
- The crash resulted in seven fatalities, including the driver of the pickup and six passengers of the van.
- Investigations by both Idaho State Police and the NTSB are ongoing to determine the cause and circumstances of the accident.
On a Thursday evening near Henry's Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, a tragic collision occurred between a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a Mercedes tour van, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. The incident unfolded as the pickup crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 20, colliding head-on with the tour van that was transporting passengers to Yellowstone National Park. The crash, described as horrific, involved a group consisting of twelve Chinese tourists and one Italian tourist, with five of the Chinese tourists and the Italian tourist, along with the truck driver Isaih Moreno, losing their lives in the incident. Rescue efforts commenced promptly, with first responders arriving to assist the eight injured passengers from the tour van. Witnesses reported the chaotic scene, noting that it took a considerable amount of time for emergency services to reach the location due to its remote nature. The both vehicles caught fire after the crash, adding to the urgency of the situation as bystanders provided care to the survivors while awaiting professional help. The Idaho State Police confirmed that crash reconstruction was ongoing and the investigation aimed to identify the factors leading to the truck's dangerous maneuver. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also initiated an independent investigation due to the involvement of a commercial vehicle in the crash. Authorities stated that they are currently working together yet conducting separate inquiries to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded. The police emphasized their commitment to determining the full circumstances surrounding the accident. As the investigation progresses, families and friends of the deceased are left to mourn their losses, and communities are reminded of the perils present on the roadways. Idaho State Police officials have expressed their condolences to all affected by this tragedy while also acknowledging the heroic efforts of the bystanders who intervened during the critical moments post-collision.