Seven dead after tour van collides with pickup near Yellowstone

In eastern Idaho, seven individuals lost their lives following a tragic collision between a tour van and a pickup truck near Yellowstone National Park. The accident unfolded around 7:15 PM on Thursday on U.S. Highway 20, close to Henry's Lake State Park, which is located approximately 16 miles west of Yellowstone. According to Idaho State Police, the collision involved a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van, the latter of which was transporting a group of tourists at the time. Six passengers from the van and the driver of the pickup died due to the wreckage of the crash. The van was occupied by fourteen individuals, and reports indicate that eight others sustained injuries during the incident. The injured were promptly taken to local hospitals for medical attention, and fortunately, their injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening. Emergency responders, including air ambulances and paramedics, attended the scene shortly after the crash occurred. Eyewitness accounts describe the two vehicles engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the incident as bystanders attempted to aid survivors before professional help arrived. Both vehicles caught fire, and the collision led to significant concerns about highway safety. The ongoing investigation has not yet determined the precise cause of the crash, but video footage from the scene indicated clear weather conditions at the time. Meanwhile, U.S. Highway 20 was temporarily closed for nearly seven hours to allow emergency teams to manage the aftermath of the accident and clear the road of debris. This incident has raised alarms regarding the safety of U.S. Highway 20, which leads into Yellowstone National Park, especially during the peak tourist season. Many travelers use this route, increasing potential risks. Local authorities have worked on safety improvement plans for the highway, but these measures are still in the research and planning phases, leaving concerns for future traffic and tourism safety in the region. The local coroner's office has withheld the release of names and details of those involved until family notifications are complete, pointing to the ongoing complexities surrounding this tragic event.