A tragic road accident near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park has claimed the lives of seven people, with eight others left injured. The incident occurred on a busy highway in eastern Idaho on Thursday when a van carrying 14 tourists collided with a Chevy pickup truck. The collision caused both vehicles to catch fire, leading to a harrowing scene on a route frequented by park visitors.
According to authorities, six of the deceased were traveling in the van, while the seventh victim was the driver of the pickup truck. Due to the severity of the injuries sustained by several passengers, some victims were transported to nearby hospitals by air ambulance. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze and the wreckage made rescue operations especially challenging.
The crash occurred approximately 16 miles from the entrance to Yellowstone, at a time when the national park is beginning to see a significant increase in tourist traffic. The road where the accident happened is a commonly used route for visitors heading into the park. Witnesses described the highway as extremely busy and potentially dangerous due to the volume of traffic, especially during peak travel seasons.
A local resident who witnessed the aftermath of the crash recounted seeing flames and thick smoke billowing from the wreckage. As he drove past, he noticed several bystanders attempting to assist the survivors, some of whom were visibly injured and in shock. The road was closed for seven hours to allow emergency personnel to treat the injured and clear the area of debris and wreckage.
At present, investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash. No details have been released regarding the identities or nationalities of those involved. Officials have stated that the names of the deceased will be made public only after next of kin have been notified.
The timing of the crash comes as Yellowstone National Park enters its busiest period of the year. Stretching across nearly 3,500 square miles and covering parts of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, the park is a major tourist destination, drawing around four million visitors annually. The majority of these visits occur between May and September, coinciding with school holidays and more favorable weather.
The highway where the incident took place is one of the main arteries leading into Yellowstone and is known for its high traffic volume. Safety concerns have previously been raised about this stretch of road, especially during the tourist season when recreational vehicles, buses, and cars share the narrow lanes.
Emergency services emphasized the importance of exercising caution on busy tourist routes and reminded drivers to stay alert, especially during periods of heavy travel. The incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise when traffic increases around major tourist attractions.
As the investigation continues, community members and tourists alike have expressed grief and sympathy for the victims and their families. The loss has cast a shadow over the beginning of the summer tourism season in one of the country’s most cherished natural landmarks.
