A tragic accident involving a tour van and a pickup truck near Yellowstone National Park in Idaho resulted in the death of seven people, according to Idaho State Police. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, approximately 16 miles from the park. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames following the collision, the cause of which is still under investigation.
Among the deceased were six tourists who were traveling in the van and the driver of the Dodge Ram pickup truck. Eight other individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Roger Merrill, a 60-year-old eyewitness, described the highway where the accident took place as “extremely busy” and “very dangerous.” He was among the first on the scene, witnessing the vehicles ablaze post-collision.
Merrill captured footage of the aftermath, showing a damaged red pickup truck and a passenger van fully engulfed in flames. The video also depicted a thick cloud of black smoke rising into the air, as paramedics and firefighters rushed towards the scene.
Merrill, along with other bystanders, attempted to assist the injured passengers while they anxiously awaited the arrival of first responders. He noted that due to the remote location of the accident, it took an unusually long time for help to arrive.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the highway, particularly given its proximity to a popular tourist destination. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash and whether any preventative measures could have been taken.