In a horrific accident on Thursday, a collision between a Chevy pickup truck and a van carrying tourists led to the death of seven individuals and injuries to eight others, highlighting concerns regarding highway safety as tourist season approaches.
Tragic Tour Bus Collision Near Yellowstone Claims Seven Lives
Tragic Tour Bus Collision Near Yellowstone Claims Seven Lives
A devastating crash involving a tour bus and a truck has resulted in seven fatalities near Yellowstone National Park, as emergency services respond to the scene.
Seven people tragically lost their lives in a collision near Yellowstone National Park when a tour bus and a pickup truck collided on a busy highway in eastern Idaho. The crash occurred on Thursday, with both vehicles igniting in flames upon impact. Idaho State Police reported that six passengers in the van and the driver of the pickup truck died, while eight others sustained serious injuries, prompting air ambulance transport for some victims.
The scene was described by a local resident, who provided a harrowing image of the events. Roger Merrill recalled seeing flames and thick smoke while trying to assist survivors on the highway. "It's a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park," Merrill emphasized, noting the heavy traffic typical at this time of year.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, with the local coroner's office preparing to release the names of those killed once their families are informed. The crash closed the highway for seven hours while authorities managed the scene, approximately 16 miles from Yellowstone's entrance.
Yellowstone National Park, which spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, is the oldest national park in the United States, attracting around four million visitors annually, primarily from May to September. The recent tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers on highways leading to such popular destinations.
