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
Make-A-Wish brings back annual Holiday Wish Line messages

Make-A-Wish Reintroduces Annual Holiday Wish Line Messages

According to the Make-A-Wish CEO, their hotline serves as a “powerful antidote”…
Trump Wishes Merry Christmas to All, Even 'Radical Left Scum'

Trump’s Controversial Christmas Greeting: Extends Holiday Wishes to All, Including ‘Radical Left Scum

On Christmas Eve, President Donald Trump extended festive greetings to Americans, notably…
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Colorado Mother Kimberlee Singler Extradited from UK, Faces Charges in Deaths of Two Children

A woman from Colorado, accused of killing two of her children amid…
JSO: Man dies after being found shot on Brentwood Avenue

Tragic Southside Incident: JSO Launches Urgent Probe into Fatal Shooting

In a tragic turn of events on Jacksonville’s Southside, a man was…
North Pole Doc Gives Thumbs Up: Rudolph's Glow Gets Vet's Go

Vet Approves Rudolph’s Iconic Red Nose: North Pole Doctor Weighs In

Are your stockings neatly hung by the chimney? Have you set out…
UFO secret files, drone swarms and nuclear-linked sightings stun experts in 2025

Experts Astonished by UFO Files, Drone Swarms, and Nuclear-Related Sightings in 2025

In 2025, the topic of UFOs captured widespread attention. A surge of…
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten charged with killing pedestrian Darren Lucas in Zion, was allegedly livestreaming on TikTok while driving

Zion Tragedy: Tynesha McCarty-Wroten Faces Charges for Livestreaming TikTok While Allegedly Causing Fatal Accident

A woman from the northern suburbs is facing charges in connection with…
Connecticut man accused of trying to kill ex-wife nabbed at the Canadian border

Connecticut Man Arrested at Canadian Border for Alleged Attempt on Ex-Wife’s Life

A Connecticut man found himself in legal hot water after allegedly staging…
More holiday bark sold at Aldi recalled over undeclared allergens

Aldi Initiates Recall of Holiday Bark Due to Undisclosed Allergen Concerns

Recent developments have led to an expanded recall of certain products sold…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV celebrates 1st Christmas as pontiff with midnight Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Chicago Native Pope Leo XIV Leads Historic First Christmas Midnight Mass at Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica

In Vatican City, the spirit of Christmas is alive as ever, reverberating…
Mayor Adams vetoes bill that’d make it easier for gender violence victims to sue

Mayor Adams Vetoes Proposed Legislation to Simplify Legal Recourse for Gender Violence Survivors

In one of his final moves before leaving office, Mayor Adams issued…
Video shows Texas crooks rip ATM from 7-Eleven

Video Captures Daring ATM Heist at Texas 7-Eleven Store

It appears even Santa’s naughty list couldn’t keep up with these antics.…