A deadly crash involving a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van near Yellowstone National Park has claimed seven lives. Idaho State Police have confirmed that the pickup crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 20, colliding with the van carrying international tourists.
The incident happened at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, about 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. Following the crash, both vehicles ignited, complicating rescue operations in the remote area.
The victims include 25-year-old Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas, who drove the pickup. Six passengers from the tour van operated by Ctour Holiday LLC also perished. The deceased comprised five Chinese nationals and one Italian tourist, while eight others in the van were injured.
The van had 14 people aboard, including 12 Chinese citizens, an Italian national, and a California-licensed driver.
Fremont County coroner Brenda Dye noted that due to the crash’s severity and ensuing fire, DNA testing will be necessary to identify some victims. This process and notifying the next of kin are expected to take time.
Three critically injured victims were airlifted to hospitals—one to Bozeman, Montana, and two to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Other survivors were transported by ground ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. Hospital reports indicate that five survivors were treated and released.
A witness arriving shortly after the collision noted significant damage to both vehicles. The fire did not start immediately but erupted about 10 to 15 minutes after the crash. Bystanders and a Fremont County sheriff’s deputy aided injured van occupants before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
The remote location of the accident site delayed emergency service responses, posing additional challenges for first responders.
The cause of the pickup truck crossing the center line is still under investigation. State police are reconstructing the crash to identify contributing factors. Given the involvement of a commercial vehicle and the crash’s scale, the National Transportation Safety Board has joined the investigation, although each agency conducts its own inquiry.
Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that the state is collaborating with local officials to ascertain the cause of the incident.
Ctour Holiday LLC extended its condolences and pledged cooperation with the investigation. The company stated: “Ctour Holiday is saddened by the loss of life and injuries suffered in this terrible accident. Ctour Holiday is continuing to work with the families as well as the investigating authorities regarding this accident.”
The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco confirmed the deaths of the five Chinese citizens and the eight injured. The consulate has activated its emergency mechanism to provide consular protection and assistance to the injured and the victims’ families.
The Idaho Transportation Department had previously identified this section of highway for safety improvements to reduce crash severity, but the project was still in the research and planning phase. Transportation data indicates that approximately 10,500 vehicles traveled this highway segment daily in 2023.
The accident closed the highway for nearly seven hours as emergency personnel managed the scene and cleared the roadway.
Tourism data shows that visiting national parks and monuments ranks among the top leisure activities for international visitors to the U.S. Yellowstone National Park, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, attracts numerous domestic and international travelers each year.
