On Thursday, at least seven individuals were killed in a severe crash involving a tour bus and a pickup truck close to Yellowstone National Park, igniting a multi-vehicle fire and prompting a state-wide investigation.
Deadly Tour Bus Collision Near Yellowstone Claims Seven Lives
Deadly Tour Bus Collision Near Yellowstone Claims Seven Lives
Tragic accident near Yellowstone National Park leaves multiple fatalities and injuries as investigations unfold.
The incident occurred on a busy highway in eastern Idaho, where a pickup truck collided with a van carrying 14 tourists. The crash, described by police, resulted in flames engulfing both vehicles and led to the airlifting of some of the injured to nearby hospitals due to the severity of their injuries. Idaho State Police confirmed that six passengers in the van and the driver of the pickup truck perished in the collision. As of now, the identities and nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed, pending notifications to family members.
Witnesses, including local resident Roger Merrill, reported seeing the tragic scene, which revealed both vehicles in flames as bystanders attempted to assist survivors. Merrill commented on the highway's dangerous reputation given its volume, particularly as it leads directly to the entrance of Yellowstone, a key tourist destination that attracts millions each year.
Officials stated that the highway remained closed for seven hours as emergency teams worked to treat victims and remove debris from the crash site, located approximately 16 miles from Yellowstone's entrance. The peak tourist season is just underway, raising concerns over the safety measures on roads leading into the national park, historically known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse visitors.
The investigation into the causes of the accident continues, with local authorities emphasizing the need for heightened awareness on the part of drivers in the busy area. Yellowstone, spanning about 3,500 square miles across Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, sees an influx of approximately four million visitors annually, predominantly from May through September, according to the National Park Service. As more details emerge, the ongoing situation serves as both a tragic reminder of the risks present on busy highways and the importance of road safety, particularly in regions frequented by tourists.
Witnesses, including local resident Roger Merrill, reported seeing the tragic scene, which revealed both vehicles in flames as bystanders attempted to assist survivors. Merrill commented on the highway's dangerous reputation given its volume, particularly as it leads directly to the entrance of Yellowstone, a key tourist destination that attracts millions each year.
Officials stated that the highway remained closed for seven hours as emergency teams worked to treat victims and remove debris from the crash site, located approximately 16 miles from Yellowstone's entrance. The peak tourist season is just underway, raising concerns over the safety measures on roads leading into the national park, historically known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse visitors.
The investigation into the causes of the accident continues, with local authorities emphasizing the need for heightened awareness on the part of drivers in the busy area. Yellowstone, spanning about 3,500 square miles across Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, sees an influx of approximately four million visitors annually, predominantly from May through September, according to the National Park Service. As more details emerge, the ongoing situation serves as both a tragic reminder of the risks present on busy highways and the importance of road safety, particularly in regions frequented by tourists.
