On the evening of May 1, 2025, a devastating collision occurred near Yellowstone National Park, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to at least 16 others.
The incident involved a tour van operated by Monrovia, California-based Ctour Holiday LLC, which was traveling along U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake in Fremont County, Idaho.
According to the Idaho State Police, a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 25-year-old Isaih Moreno of Humble, Texas, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Mercedes passenger van carrying 14 tourists.
The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Six passengers from the van and the pickup driver died at the scene.
The van’s occupants included 12 Chinese citizens and one Italian citizen. The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco confirmed that five Chinese nationals were among the deceased, and eight others were injured. The Italian Consulate General also confirmed the death of one Italian citizen.
Emergency responders faced challenges due to the remote location of the crash, approximately 13 miles from Yellowstone’s West entrance. Three patients with severe injuries were airlifted to hospitals in Bozeman, Montana, and Idaho Falls, Idaho, while others were transported by ground ambulances.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board. Authorities are working with international consulates to notify next of kin and provide support to the victims’ families.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of U.S. Highway 20, a heavily trafficked route leading to Yellowstone National Park. The Idaho Transportation Department has identified this stretch of road for safety improvements, which are currently in the planning stages.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this heartbreaking event.
