A fatal crash involving a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van near Yellowstone National Park resulted in seven fatalities. Idaho State Police reported that the pickup crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 20, colliding with a van carrying international tourists.
The incident happened around 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, approximately 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision, complicating rescue operations in the remote area.
The deceased include 25-year-old Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas, who was driving the pickup truck, and six passengers from the tour van operated by Ctour Holiday LLC. Among the victims were five Chinese citizens and one Italian tourist. Eight other van passengers were injured.
The van had 14 people on board, including 12 Chinese nationals, one Italian national, and the driver, who was licensed in California.
Fremont County coroner Brenda Dye stated that DNA testing would be necessary to identify several victims due to the crash’s severity and subsequent fire. The identification process and notification of next of kin are expected to take time.
Emergency medical response included airlifting three critically injured victims—one to Bozeman, Montana, and two to Idaho Falls, Idaho. The remaining survivors were transported by ground ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. Hospital reports indicate that the five survivors were treated and later released.
A witness who arrived minutes after the crash observed significant damage to both vehicles. The fire reportedly started approximately 10-15 minutes after the initial impact. Bystanders and a Fremont County sheriff’s deputy assisted the injured van occupants before the van was engulfed in flames.
The remote location of the crash site delayed the arrival of emergency services, presenting additional challenges for first responders.
The cause of the pickup truck crossing the center line remains under investigation. State police are conducting crash reconstruction to determine contributing factors. Due to the involvement of a commercial vehicle and the crash’s magnitude, the National Transportation Safety Board has joined the investigation, with each agency conducting an independent inquiry.
Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that the state is collaborating with local officials to uncover what led to the incident.
Ctour Holiday LLC expressed 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 activated its emergency mechanism to provide consular protection and assistance to the injured and the families of the victims.
The Idaho Transportation Department had previously identified this stretch of highway for safety improvements to reduce crash severity, though the project remained in the research and planning phase. Transportation data shows approximately 10,500 vehicles traveled that portion of the highway daily in 2023.
The crash closed the highway for nearly seven hours while emergency personnel managed the scene and cleared the roadway.
Tourism data reveals that visits to national parks and monuments rank among the top leisure activities for international visitors to the United States. Yellowstone National Park, which spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, attracts numerous domestic and international travelers annually.
