A tragic head-on collision occurred on the evening of Thursday, May 1, 2025, on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, just west of Yellowstone National Park. The crash involved a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a Mercedes passenger van carrying a tour group of international travelers.
The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the deaths of seven people. Eight other occupants of the van sustained injuries, with some requiring airlift to hospitals in Idaho Falls and Bozeman due to their severity. The tour van was transporting a group of 14 individuals, primarily Chinese nationals.
Authorities, including the Idaho State Police (ISP) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are conducting a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary findings from the ISP indicate that the pickup truck crossed the center line on Highway 20, colliding with the eastbound tour van. The reason for the pickup truck veering into the oncoming lane remains under investigation.
The aftermath of the crash presented significant challenges, particularly in identifying the deceased due to the fire. The Fremont County Coroner’s Office is reportedly utilizing DNA testing to confirm the identities of the victims from the van. Due to the international nature of the tour group, authorities are working closely with the Chinese and Italian consulates to assist with identification, notification of next of kin, and providing support to the affected families.
Families of those who lost their lives are undoubtedly experiencing profound grief and are seeking answers surrounding the circumstances that led to this devastating event. The complexities of international coordination and the time required for forensic identification add to the difficulty of this painful process. While specific accounts of the families’ grief are not widely detailed in public reports, it is understood that they are grappling with immense loss and are relying on the ongoing investigations by the ISP and NTSB to provide clarity and understanding of how this tragedy occurred. Consular support is crucial in facilitating communication and providing assistance to the families during this challenging time as they mourn their loved ones and await further information from the official investigations.
