A tragic collision near Yellowstone National Park last week resulted in the death of seven individuals after a pickup truck veered into oncoming traffic and struck a tour van, Idaho State Police have confirmed.
According to a statement from the police on Tuesday, the Dodge Ram pickup crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 20 and collided with a Mercedes passenger van carrying tourists. Although the exact reason for the driver’s sudden deviation is still under investigation, the incident has prompted an in-depth inquiry by authorities.
The van was transporting a group of thirteen people, including twelve tourists from China, one from Italy, and the driver. Sadly, five of the Chinese tourists, the Italian visitor, and the pickup’s driver perished in the crash, information corroborated by both the Chinese and Italian Consulates General based in San Francisco. The driver of the pickup was identified as Isaih Moreno, a 25-year-old from Humble, Texas.
Occurring on Thursday evening, the collision took place near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, which is considered relatively close to Yellowstone National Park, approximately 16 miles (or 26 kilometers) west.
As the accident ensued, it was noted that the pickup was heading west while the van was moving eastward towards Yellowstone. Weather conditions at the time were reported to be clear, which is evident from videos available from the scene.
Upon impact, both vehicles erupted in flames, Idaho State Police stated. Identifying some of the deceased will require DNA testing due to the nature of the accident. Authorities have reported that the remaining eight passengers in the van sustained injuries.
Given the severity of the crash and its involvement with a commercial vehicle, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken an interest in the case and is pursuing an independent investigation. The NTSB has dispatched personnel to the site, who are now examining the evidence to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Interestingly, the latest figures from the International Trade Administration highlight that 36% of international visitors who arrive in the U.S. by air prioritize visits to national parks and monuments as their primary leisure activity during their stay in the country.