Early reports indicate the accident occurred at approximately 7:15 PM local time, near a highway leading to Yellowstone National Park. Following the collision, both the Chevy pickup and the passenger van caught fire. Tragically, six passengers from the van and the truck driver perished in the wreck, while eight others sustained injuries and were airlifted to hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitness Roger Merrill described the scene to CBS News, expressing concern over the hazardous conditions of the highway, particularly during the peak tourist season leading into Yellowstone. "It is a very dangerous highway," he remarked, emphasizing its heavy traffic.
Immediate efforts from emergency responders included treating the injured and clearing the highway, which was shut down for approximately seven hours. Police investigations are ongoing, and they have indicated that the coroner's office will release the names of the deceased once informed families are notified.
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest in the US, attracting around four million visitors annually, particularly from May to September, according to the National Park Service.
Eyewitness Roger Merrill described the scene to CBS News, expressing concern over the hazardous conditions of the highway, particularly during the peak tourist season leading into Yellowstone. "It is a very dangerous highway," he remarked, emphasizing its heavy traffic.
Immediate efforts from emergency responders included treating the injured and clearing the highway, which was shut down for approximately seven hours. Police investigations are ongoing, and they have indicated that the coroner's office will release the names of the deceased once informed families are notified.
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest in the US, attracting around four million visitors annually, particularly from May to September, according to the National Park Service.
