Highlighting the deadly consequences of drunk driving, a fatal crash near Yellowstone National Park that killed seven people was caused by a drunk driver.
Isaih Moreno of Texas had a blood alcohol level of 0.20 – more than twice the legal limit – when he crashed his pickup into a tour van carrying international tourists.
Idaho State Police revealed that Moreno’s blood alcohol content was 0.20% when the crash occurred near Henry’s Lake in Island Park, Idaho, approximately 20 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
As in all states, the legal limit in Idaho is 0.08%. The collision happened on Highway 20, a popular route connecting Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
The crash resulted in both vehicles catching fire, killing Moreno and six people in the tour van.
The van, operated by Ctour Holiday LLC, was carrying 14 people, including visitors from China and Italy who had come to experience America’s natural wonders.
Among the victims were Jian Shi and Xiaoming Jiang from China, Ivana Wen from Italy, California residents Li Nie and Aifeng Wan, and the van’s driver, Yu Zhang.
First responders and bystanders, including a Fremont County sheriff’s deputy, rushed to assist the injured, but the collision was so severe that seven people lost their lives.
The crash shut down Highway 20 for approximately seven hours as emergency crews worked the scene while survivors of the horrific crash were transported to nearby hospitals with various injuries.
“This tragedy should be a wake-up call,” Idaho State Police Captain Chris Weadick said.
“No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences. Impaired driving isn’t just illegal — it’s deadly. If you see someone unfit to drive, speak up. Lives depend on it,” he remarked.
The crash occurred just before what Idaho officials call the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically increase across the state.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho typically increase patrols during this time to combat dangerous driving behaviors.
Still, this deadly crash proves that current enforcement measures are not enough to prevent intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel.
According to state officials, alcohol remains the leading cause of traffic deaths in Idaho.
The incident is especially disturbing considering the extreme level of intoxication – at 0.20%, Moreno was not just slightly over the legal limit but was severely impaired and should never have been operating a vehicle.
Yellowstone National Park, one of America’s most treasured landmarks, attracts millions of visitors annually.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of how one person’s reckless decision to drive while intoxicated can have devastating consequences for innocent people.
The international nature of the victims also means this tragedy will affect America’s reputation as a safe destination for tourists, potentially harming communities that depend on tourism revenue to support their local economies.
