7 killed in fiery two-vehicle crash near Yellowstone

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KUTV) — An investigation is underway after a two-vehicle crash killed seven people and shut down a major highway through Fremont County, Idaho, near Yellowstone.

Idaho State Police said troopers were dispatched to milepost 399 on eastbound U.S. 20 near Henry’s Lake in Island Park—roughly 15 miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park—just before 7:15 p.m. on Thursday following reports of the crash.

Investigators determined that a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes van collided, both erupting in flames upon impact. The van was reportedly carrying a tour group of 14 people.

Seven people were killed, including six passengers in the van and the driver of the pickup. Aerial and ground medical resources responded to the scene.

The bodies of the deceased were transported to the Fremont County Coroner’s Office, which will release their names following notification of next of kin, along with the cause and manner of their deaths.

U.S. 20 was shut down in both directions while first responders conducted a crash investigation. The highway reopened around 2 a.m. Friday.

ISP is leading the investigation with assistance from local and regional agencies. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.