Idaho police say truck crossed line before causing deadly tour van collision near Yellowstone National Park
Share this @internewscast.com

The investigation into a deadly accident near Yellowstone National Park has revealed that the pickup truck involved was responsible for the incident that resulted in seven fatalities, according to law enforcement.

Reports from Idaho State Police indicate that a Dodge Ram pickup crossed the median on Highway 20 close to Henry’s Lake State Park, colliding with a Mercedes tour van. This collision caused both vehicles to ignite. The reason for the truck veering from its path remains unknown.

“Crash reconstruction is ongoing, and ISP troopers are working to determine all contributing factors,” state police said on Tuesday.

The driver of the truck and six of the 14 people inside the tour van died in the crash, police said.

 

Witness Roger Merrill, aged 60, was returning home when he encountered the blazing vehicles. He reported to The Associated Press that passersby were tending to the van’s survivors alongside the highway until emergency services arrived.

Fatal crash near Yellowstone National Park

First responders arrive at the scene after a deadly collision between a pickup truck and tour van near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho on May 1. (Roger Merrill via AP)

“It took an unnervingly long time for help to arrive just because of the location,” Merrill said.

He also said he frequently sees tourist vans on Highway 20 as it leads to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park sign

The fatal crash happened in eastern Idaho, about 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. (Getty Images)

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost in this tragedy,” ISP Sgt. Blake Higley said. “We are incredibly grateful to the passersby who stopped to help and to the first responders whose quick actions and teamwork aided those in critical need. This was a challenging and emotional scene for everyone involved.”

The highway was closed for almost seven hours while first responders and the Idaho Transportation Department managed the scene and cleared the roadway.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump’s Greenland push drives Danish prime minister to call early election

Trump’s Greenland Ambitions Spark Early Election Call in Denmark: A Political Shake-Up Unfolds

Denmark is gearing up for a national election on March 24 after…
Iran rejects Trump demands despite 'significant progress' in nuclear talks

Iran Stands Firm Against Trump’s Demands Amid Notable Advancements in Nuclear Negotiations

Negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded in Geneva on Thursday,…
Iran's terror proxies, from Iraq to Lebanon, say they're ready to respond to US-Israel attacks

Iran’s Allied Forces in Iraq and Lebanon Poised to Counter US-Israel Military Actions

The Islamic Republic of Iran has forged a network of predominantly Shiite…
Second alleged Guthrie ransom deadline missed, sparking new theories from Bongino, former FBI agent and doctor

Forensic Expert Urges Fresh Investigation Approach in Ongoing Nancy Guthrie Case

TUCSON, Ariz. — A criminal investigation expert has emphasized that while the…
Exclusive -- Tom Homan: Trump Administration's Immigration Policy Far More 'Humane' Than Biden's

Former ICE Director Tom Homan Criticizes Biden’s Immigration Approach, Touts Trump’s Policies as More Humane

On Saturday, the topic of immigration took center stage on “The Alex…
'Standing on the shoulders of giants'

Building on the Legacy of Innovators: How Today’s Leaders Are Shaping the Future

Their achievements are built upon the legacy of those who came before…
NYC Council ready to greenlight police widows property-tax break

NYC Council Poised to Approve Property Tax Relief for Police Widows

The New York City Council is poised to accelerate the passage of…
Dozens of top Iranian regime officials, supreme leader killed in Israeli strikes

Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Leadership: Supreme Leader Among Dozens of Officials Killed

The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had conducted extensive coordinated…
President Trump announces Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead: 'Justice'

Breaking News: President Trump Claims Victory with Death of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

In a dramatic announcement, former President Donald Trump has confirmed the death…
FBI raises counterterror teams to high alert amid Iran tensions

FBI Boosts Counterterrorism Vigilance as Iran Tensions Escalate

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday that the bureau’s counterterrorism and…
BREAKING: Iran's State-Controlled Media's Chilling Announcement of the Death of Ayatollah Khameini

Urgent Update: Iran’s State Media Confirms Ayatollah Khamenei’s Death in Shocking Announcement

What an eventful day in the news! Saturday kicked off with the…
Why did US and Israel attack Iran? What to know about Donald Trump's aim, reports of Iran school hit, retaliation and more

Examining the US and Israel’s Strikes on Iran: Insights into Former President Trump’s Objectives, Alleged School Targeting, and Potential Retaliation

WASHINGTON — On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a significant…