A tragic incident involving a fiery van crash near Yellowstone National Park has resulted in the deaths of at least six tourists from Italy and China, underscoring the potential dangers of the roads leading into this internationally renowned destination. The crash occurred when the van collided with a pickup truck on a highway west of Yellowstone, leading to both vehicles catching fire. Survivors of the collision were transported to hospitals with injuries.
Among those impacted were eight Chinese citizens, according to the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco. This incident echoes a previous 2019 accident involving a bus from Las Vegas carrying Chinese tourists, which rolled over near Bryce National Park in southern Utah, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries.
The exact path of the van at the time of Thursday’s accident remains unclear. Some roads in Yellowstone, particularly south of its iconic Old Faithful geyser, remained closed due to snow from the preceding winter season. However, the highway where the accident happened serves as an open route connecting Yellowstone and Grand Teton before the full summer reopening.
Yellowstone National Park, known as the world’s first national park, consistently attracts a global audience. Data from the International Trade Administration indicate that 36% of global visitors to the U.S. by air prioritize national park visits. Specifically, 17% of Yellowstone visitors in 2016 originated from other countries, with significant representation from China and Italy.
Brian Riley of Old Hand Holdings, a Wyoming-based company, notes that the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered visitation patterns from China. He remarks that while Yellowstone is highly esteemed among Chinese citizens — taught about it from a young age — international visits remain significantly reduced since the pandemic. Presently, visits by Chinese nationals residing in the U.S. are more common.
Riley also points out that ongoing geopolitical tensions and negative narratives about safety in the U.S. contribute to the decline in foreign tourism. The U.S. tourism industry, which anticipated a rebound by 2025, is faced with diminishing international arrivals triggered by political factors and concerns over safety.
The international visitor trend at Yellowstone peaks during spring and fall, in contrast to domestic crowds that swell during summer. Foreign visitors frequently include parents of international students at U.S. institutions, contributing significantly to local economies, as mentioned by West Yellowstone Mayor Jeff McBirnie.
Yellowstone’s staggeringly scenic terrain and winding roads can, however, lead to dangerous driving conditions that result in a multitude of accidents annually. Historical records show that road fatalities within Yellowstone are not uncommon, with the first passenger vehicle death occurring shortly after motorization of the park.
In “Deaths in Yellowstone,” historian Lee Whittlesey notes the vast number of auto-related fatalities since then, labeling them as all-too-frequent within the park. His comprehensive work covers various causes of death in the park’s history, excluding abundant auto accidents from his fatality list due to their regularity.
Despite the dual impacts of the pandemic and floods disrupting access in 2022, Yellowstone witnessed a resurgence with 4.7 million visitors last year. Nevertheless, this latest incident serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent risks that accompany the beauty of such natural wonders.