A horrific accident on a busy highway near Yellowstone National Park resulted in the deaths of seven people, with several others harmed. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash as the area gears up for peak tourist season.
Tragic Tour Bus Accident Claims Seven Lives Near Yellowstone National Park
Tragic Tour Bus Accident Claims Seven Lives Near Yellowstone National Park
A devastating collision involving a tour bus and a pickup truck near Yellowstone leads to seven fatalities and multiple injuries.
In a shocking incident near Yellowstone National Park, seven individuals lost their lives following a crash between a tour bus and a pickup truck. The tragic event unfolded on Thursday when a van carrying 14 tourists collided with a Chevy pickup truck, leaving eight others injured, some critically. The severity of the injuries necessitated the dispatch of air ambulances to transport victims to local hospitals.
Idaho State Police reported that both vehicles ignited upon impact. Regrettably, six occupants of the van and the pickup truck’s driver were confirmed dead at the scene. The identities and nationalities of the victims have not yet been disclosed as authorities continue their investigation into the crash's cause.
Local witnesses described a catastrophic scene, with flames and thick smoke engulfing the wreck. Roger Merrill, a passerby, recounted his experience arriving at the accident, noting the frantic efforts by bystanders to assist the survivors. "It's an exceedingly hazardous highway given the significant traffic leading into the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park," he remarked.
Following the collision, the highway remained closed for seven hours as emergency personnel worked diligently to treat the wounded and clear the accident site, situated approximately 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Yellowstone's entrance.
Official statistics from the National Park Service highlight that Yellowstone, the oldest national park in the United States, spans nearly 3,500 square miles across three states: Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, attracting around four million visitors annually, particularly during its peak season from May to September. The local coroner's office is expected to release the names of those who perished once their families have been informed.
