BOISE, Idaho — A tragic collision involving a pickup truck and a tour van near Henry’s Lake State Park resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left eight others injured. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 20, a key route leading to Yellowstone National Park. Authorities noted that the area, approximately 16 miles west of the park, was experiencing clear weather during the time of the accident.

Initial reports indicate that a Dodge Ram truck was heading west while a Mercedes tour van, which was carrying foreign visitors, traveled east. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. Both vehicles were consumed by flames following the collision, aggravating the emergency response situation.

The driver of the pickup truck has been identified as Isaih Moreno, 25, from Humble, Texas. The identities of the six passengers in the van are pending and are being withheld pending confirmation through DNA testing, as the Fremont County coroner described the bodies as unrecognizable. Although two victims were confirmed to be from Italy, the nationalities of the other four remain unknown.

The tour van was reportedly carrying a group of 14 travelers. Eight survivors were taken to local hospitals for treatment, with three individuals requiring airlift to medical facilities in Idaho Falls and Bozeman, Montana. The conditions of the injured have not yet been disclosed.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with flames engulfing the vehicles as bystanders attempted to assist the survivors. Roger Merrill, a nearby motorist, expressed concern over the highway’s dangers, particularly given its status as a thoroughfare for tourists heading to Yellowstone. He noted that help took an unusually long time to arrive due to the remote nature of the location.

Local law enforcement responded quickly, with a Fremont County sheriff’s deputy among the first on the scene, aiding injured passengers as fires consumed the van. Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that the state is collaborating with local officials to uncover the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.

The Idaho Transportation Department had previously identified this stretch of highway for safety improvements, a project still in the planning stages. Recent statistics indicate that an average of about 10,500 vehicles utilize this portion of the highway daily, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.

As investigations continue, the community grapples with the loss and seeks answers to prevent future tragedies on this busy roadway.