Fatal Collision Near Yellowstone National Park Kills 7

A fatal collision between a tour bus and a truck near Yellowstone National Park in Idaho on Thursday, May 1, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of seven people, with eight others injured.

The accident reportedly occurred at approximately 19:15 local time on a highway leading to the park.

Details of the Crash

The collision reportedly involved a Chevy pickup truck and a van carrying 14 tourists, both of which caught fire after the impact.

State police disclosed that the driver of the truck and six passengers in the van were killed in the crash.

The BBC reported that emergency responders were quick to respond, but the highway was closed for seven hours while victims were treated and the crash site was cleared.

The cause of the crash, at the time of compiling this report, was still under investigation by state police.

The local coroner’s office said it will release the names of the deceased after family members have been notified.

The BBC disclosed that witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with both vehicles on fire and bystanders attempting to care for survivors.

Background of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a renowned natural wonder located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho.

Established on March 1, 1872, it was the world’s first national park, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant.

The park’s significance lies in its unique geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history.

Geography and Climate:

• Yellowstone sits atop a volcanic hotspot, featuring a massive caldera formed by a cataclysmic eruption 640,000 years ago.
• The park spans 2,219,791 acres, with 96% of its land area in Wyoming, 3% in Montana, and 1% in Idaho.
• It boasts an average elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level, with mountain ranges surrounding the plateau.

Unique Features:

• Geothermal Wonders: Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including Old Faithful, hot springs, and geysers, fueled by its volcanic origins.
• Wildlife: The park is inhabited by an array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose.
• Petrified Forests: Yellowstone contains one of the world’s largest petrified forests, showcasing the region’s volcanic history.

History:

• Indigenous Peoples: Native American tribes have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years, utilizing the area’s resources and leaving behind archaeological evidence.
• Exploration and Establishment: The park was explored by European-Americans in the early 19th century, with the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition in 1870 marking a turning point in its establishment.
• National Park Designation: Yellowstone was designated a national park in 1872, with the goal of preserving its natural wonders for future generations.

Yellowstone National park, located in the United States, spans approximately 2,219,791 acres, making it larger than the states of Rhode Island or Delaware.

The park is known for its unique geothermal features like Old Faithful, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history, attracting millions of visitors each year

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