RIGBY, ID – A tragic collision on a stretch of US Highway 20 near Rigby, Idaho, left seven people dead and several others injured Thursday evening. The accident, involving a tour van and a pickup truck, occurred around 7 p.m., approximately 20 miles west of Yellowstone National Park.
Authorities reported the van was carrying 14 passengers, predominantly Chinese nationals, with one Italian national among them. The crash claimed the lives of six individuals from the van and the pickup truck driver, identified as 25-year-old Isaiah Moreno from Texas.
The tour van, operated by COur Holiday LLC, a company known for organizing international travel, was traveling eastbound toward Yellowstone when it collided with the westbound Dodge Ram pickup driven by Moreno. The impact was so severe that both vehicles erupted in flames, leaving a trail of devastation.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, where they found seven people injured. Three of the wounded were airlifted to nearby hospitals, while the remaining four were transported by ambulance for medical treatment. The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
Idaho State Police are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, working closely with COur Holiday LLC and the consulates of China and Italy. The authorities have yet to determine the factors that led to the fatal collision, but they are examining all possibilities, including road conditions and potential driver error.
Witnesses reported seeing a chaotic scene, with both vehicles engulfed in flames shortly after the crash. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area, especially given the high volume of tourists traveling to and from Yellowstone National Park.
The Chinese and Italian consulates have been notified and are assisting with the necessary arrangements for the victims and their families. The tragic accident has drawn international attention, reflecting the global nature of the passengers involved.
As the investigation continues, the local community is grappling with the aftermath of the crash, mourning the lives lost and hoping for the recovery of the injured. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers present on the roads and the importance of vigilance and safety.