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
Teen body-slammed by grown man at In-N-Out sought 'mental health treatment'

Teenager Seeks Mental Health Treatment Following Incident with Adult at In-N-Out

A 15-year-old boy, who endured a frightening incident involving a Colorado businessman…
Luigi Mangione escapes federal death penalty after federal prosecutors decline to appeal judge's ruling

Luigi Mangione Dodges Federal Death Penalty: Prosecutors Opt Out of Appeal

Judge rules Luigi Mangione won’t face death penalty In a significant legal…
Coney Island principal failed to protect 2 elderly stray cats buried repeatedly in snow storms

Coney Island Principal Criticized for Neglecting Elderly Stray Cats During Snowstorms

Animal rights advocates are likening a Coney Island principal to Cruella de…
Iran blocking nuclear watchdog from sites hit by US, Israel: report

Report: Iran Restricts Access to Nuclear Sites Following US and Israel Incidents

Iran has blocked international inspectors from accessing three nuclear sites targeted by…
Israel will re-invade Gaza if Hamas doesn't abide by Trump's peace plan

Israel Threatens Gaza Re-Entry Over Hamas Non-Compliance with Trump’s Peace Plan

Israel is prepared to re-enter Gaza to dismantle Hamas if the group…
School choice can’t be only for the rich

Equitable Access to School Choice: Bridging the Gap Beyond Wealth

New York City parents are feeling the pinch as they open their…
Horror at Iran hospital revealed after regime protest crackdown

Revelations Emerge of Disturbing Scenes at Iranian Hospital Following Government Protest Crackdown

In a shocking display of intimidation, Iranian security forces, disguised in civilian…
Viral trend in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals

Unleashing the Wild Side: Why Argentina’s Youth are Embracing Animal Identities

BUENOS AIRES — On a Sunday not too long ago, a plaza…
Asking Eric: Informal music group marred by tone-deaf participant

Discord in Harmony: Tone-Deaf Member Challenges Cohesion of Informal Music Group ‘Asking Eric

Dear Eric: Our circle of friends regularly gathers to enjoy making music…
Giving partner STD is a form of domestic violence in NY: judge

New York Judge Rules Intentionally Transmitting STD to Partner Constitutes Domestic Violence

A Long Island judge in New York has ruled that transmitting a…
Pakistan declares 'open war' on Afghanistan in response to Taliban's retaliatory strikes

Pakistan’s Bold Move: Declaring Open War on Afghanistan Amid Escalating Taliban Tensions

On Friday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister announced that the country is now in…
Historic US-Israel strikes on Iran underway as Tehran faces regime survival test

U.S.-Israel Joint Strikes Target Iran Amid Critical Test for Tehran’s Regime Stability

On Saturday morning, the news broke that Operation “Roaring Lion” had commenced,…