Collision on US Highway 20 Sparks Fire, Prompts Major Rescue Operation
Washington, May 3 — A devastating road accident near the iconic Yellowstone National Park has claimed seven lives, including six foreign nationals and a local pickup truck driver, according to authorities in Idaho. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at 7:15 p.m. local time near Henry’s Lake on US Highway 20, approximately 17 miles from the park’s western entrance.
As per information from Idaho State Police (ISP) shared with ABC News, a Mercedes passenger tour van carrying 14 people collided with a Dodge Ram pickup truck, resulting in a fiery crash that engulfed both vehicles in flames shortly after impact.
Casualties and Identification Efforts Underway
The pickup driver, identified as 25-year-old Isaiah Moreno of Humble, Texas, was killed on the spot. All six deceased foreign nationals were occupants of the tour van. Authorities have confirmed their identities but are withholding names until next of kin have been notified.
The Fremont County Coroner’s Office is overseeing the notification process and will release the identities in accordance with international protocols and family communications.
Due to the severity of the crash, ISP noted that the identification and notification process may take time. In a statement issued Friday afternoon, the agency thanked passersby who aided in the immediate rescue efforts and confirmed that all survivors were taken to nearby hospitals, with three airlifted via emergency helicopters for urgent medical treatment.
Crash Location and Road Closure
Henry’s Lake, the site of the tragedy, is a popular recreational area located near the Montana-Idaho border, serving as a key route for tourists entering Yellowstone from the west. The accident led to the closure of US Highway 20 for approximately seven hours as emergency services cleared debris and conducted a preliminary investigation.
About Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, established in 1872, is the first national park in the United States, sprawling over 2.2 million acres. While most of the park lies within Wyoming, it extends into Montana and Idaho, making it a central hub for regional tourism and nature conservation.
The incident has cast a shadow over early tourist season activities and highlighted the risks associated with high-traffic tour routes in remote areas.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
