Seven individuals lost their lives last week after a pickup truck collided with a tour van near Yellowstone National Park, according to police reports.
Idaho State Police indicated that a Dodge Ram pickup crossed the centerline on Highway 20, close to Henry’s Lake State Park, impacting a Mercedes tour van. Both vehicles caught fire, but the exact reason for the truck veering off the road remains unclear.
The state police mentioned that they are currently reconstructing the crash to identify all factors involved.
Out of the 14 people inside the truck and the tour van, six were killed in the accident.
To add to the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also become involved, assessing the scene since commercial vehicles were a part of the incident.
NTSB officials are examining the evidence, while the Idaho State Police continue their investigation, sharing information between the two agencies.
The Idaho State Troopers arrived at the scene around 7:15 PM on Thursday, 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Roger Merrill, a 60-year-old man returning home, witnessed the aftermath as bystanders tended to survivors until emergency services arrived.
He expressed concern about the time it took for help to reach the scene, acknowledging that he often sees tourist vans on Highway 20, a common route to Yellowstone.
Merrill also mentioned a sense of urgency he felt waiting for assistance, which he described as a prolonged period of worry.
ISP Sergeant Blake Higley conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy. He commended the passersby and first responders for their prompt actions and teamwork in a stressful and emotional situation.
The highway remained closed for nearly seven hours as first responders and the Idaho Transportation Department worked to manage the site and clear the area.
