SEVEN people have died in a horrifying crash involving a tour group van and a pick up truck.
A fireball erupted on Highway 20 near Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho, when the two vehicles collided on Thursday evening.
The Mercedes tour van was carrying 14 passengers – six of whom died at the scene, Idaho State Police confirmed.
The driver of the pick up was also killed in the incident.
Emergency crews were called to the scene near milepost 399 around 7:15pm.
The Dodge Ram and Mercedes passenger van smashed into each other and both caught fire.
Emergency vehicles including ambulances and helicopters immediately attended the scene where there were “severe injuries”.
The identities of those killed in the crash will be released by The Fremont County Coroner’s Office after informing the next of kins.
Roger Merrill from Ridby, Idaho, who was following behind the crash, claimed on Facebook that the fire began “10 to 15 minutes after” impact.
Footage he took at the scene showed the raging blaze around the van and red pick up as black smoke filled the sky.
Bystanders can be seen watching on in horror as the emergency chopper came in to land.
A number of individuals seemed to stumble along the roadside away from the twisted debris, including a child wrapped in a blanket.
The highway remains closed in both directions as investigators continue to look into what happened.
It is not known when US 20 between milepost 399 and 406 can be expected to reopen.
The Sheriff’s Office has urged drivers to avoid the area and to expect severe delays.
POLICE STATEMENT
“The Idaho State Police (ISP) are currently investigating a two-vehicle accident with several fatalities that took place on Thursday evening, May 1, on the eastbound side of U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake,” according to a press release.
“The initial investigation shows that the crash involved a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van, both of which ignited after the collision.
“The van was reportedly transporting a tour group.
“Tragically, seven individuals have died because of the crash. Six were occupants of the van, and the driver of the pickup.
“The van had 14 occupants. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene.
“Due to the severity of the injuries, one air ambulance and additional air and ground resources were dispatched.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to ISP for an update.
