New details released about deadly Island Park tour van crash
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ISLAND PARK — Police have released more details about a deadly crash that occurred Thursday evening in Island Park near Henrys Lake.
Seven people died in the crash, which involved a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a Mercedes van. Three of the van occupants were airlifted to hospitals – one to Bozeman, Montana, and two to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, according to Idaho State Police.
Of the 14 occupants in the Mercedes van, the driver was licensed in California. The passengers included 12 Chinese nationals and one of Italian nationality, according to a news release from Idaho State Police.
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The group was traveling to Yellowstone National Park on an excursion organized by Ctour Holiday, a large-scale tour operator that provides international travel services.
“Next-of-kin notifications are ongoing and coordinated with appropriate local and international authorities. Due to the international nature of those involved, the process is complex and will take additional time,” the police release says.
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Those who died in the crash will be transported to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for autopsies and formal confirmation of identity.
ISP troopers are working closely with Ctour Holiday and remain in contact with the Consulates of China and Italy as the investigation progresses.
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