Tourists from various nations perished in a vehicle collision, as Yellowstone's allure attracted millions of visitors.
Revamped Road Traps: A Tale of Danger Near Yellowstone's Glory
In the windswept expanse of Cheyenne, Wyoming, the gruesome tale of a fiery collision snared six Italian and Chinese tourists, serving as a gruesome reminder that the paths to Yellowstone National Park's legendary vistas may carry an equally treacherous sting.
This deadly crash occurred when a van and a pickup truck struck each other on a highway west of the park, sparking a fierce inferno that consumed both vehicles [1]. The survivors, bloodied and battered, were whisked to hospitals, while the charred remains of the victims, hailing from Italy and China, bore grim testimony to the road ahead [2][3].
The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco reported that the wreckage left eight of their citizens injured [1]. This massacre of tourists follows the 2019 disaster that claimed four lives and injured dozens, when a Las Vegas bus carrying Chinese tourists careened off its path near Bryce National Park [1].
The origins of the doomed van remain a mystery, but it was likely traversing the snowbound roads south of Old Faithful, Yellowstone's most legendary geyser, which were still closed after the chilly winter. The accident occurred on a highway south of West Yellowstone, Montana, which serves as a crucial route between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park during the winter months [2].
Yellowstone transcends borders, attracting visitors from the corners of the earth. According to the International Trade Administration, 36% of international travelers who touch down on American soil choose national parks and monuments as their top leisure activity [4]. In 2016, 17% of Yellowstone's visitors hailed from countries beyond America's own shores [5].
Europe and Asia provided the largest influx of foreign visitors, with 34% from China, 11% from Italy, and 10% from Canada [5]. However, the global pandemic has left its indelible mark on these statistics [6].
"Every Chinese is taught about the brilliance of Yellowstone in their elementary school," Riley stated, a Wyoming-based entrepreneur whose business, Old Hand Holdings, markets Yellowstone in China and operates tours [6].
Travel from China has suffered greatly due to the pandemic, as it is yet to bounce back from its slumber [6]. Most Chinese visitors to the region are now residing within the United States, a stark contrast from the pre-pandemic days [6].
"Foreigners, in general, don't feel as safe now as they used to," Riley conceded [6]. With the specter of arrests at the border and heated rhetoric from the upper echelons of the American administration, some international travelers have elected to steer clear of the US and seek adventures elsewhere [6].
Riley, a native of Jackson, Wyoming (just south of Grand Teton), once ventured to China to learn Mandarin and dip his toes into the reasons why Chinese travelers sought out the United States. Lately, his focus has shifted to drawing Chinese tourists to Hawaii, a destination perceived as safer by many [6].
The influx of tourists simmers during the summer, but the pre-summer season sees a tourist tidal wave, with numerous foreign visitors accompanying American college students or celebrating graduations by exploring Yellowstone's wonders [6].
The park's recent experiences have delivered a one-two punch, as the pandemic's icy grip coupled with severe flooding that disabled access to portions of the park kept visitors at bay. However, Yellowstone roared back to life in 2021, welcoming 4.7 million visitors, its second-busiest year on record [6].
Despite the park's allure, the scenic and sometimes perilous roads encircling it join forces with natural distractions to create a breeding ground for accidents.
In 1921, the very first road fatality within Yellowstone claimed the life of a 38-year old woman, whose neck was broken, after her ten-passenger bus veered off the road and tumbled down an embankment in the Fishing Bridge area [7].
Park historian Lee Whittlesey chronicled the myriad ways in which visitors have lost their lives in his book "Deaths in Yellowstone," which includes drownings in hot springs, bear attacks, plane crashes, and murders [7].
"The second most common cause of deaths in the park is motor vehicle accidents," Whittlesey hinted [7]. While he decided not to include road deaths in his tally of fatalities, considering them too commonplace, there have been at least 17 individuals who perished in motor vehicle crashes within the park since 2007 [7].
As Mother Shipton's prophetic words eerily echo through the ages, "Carriages without horses shall go, and Accidents fill the world with woe," it's of paramount importance to remain vigilant on the precarious roads and swiftly evolving landscapes that have become the pathways to this unforgettable American landmark.
[1] Associated Press, "Yellowstone deaths remind travelers of highway dangers around park", Cheyenne, Wyo., May 2025[2] Associated Press, "Eight Chinese among 12 injured in Wyoming crash", San Francisco, Calif., May 2025[3] Associated Press, "Six killed in deadly crash in Wyoming near Yellowstone", Rome, Italy, May 2025[4] International Trade Administration, "Top Activities of International Visitors", 2019[5] National Park Service, "International Visitation Statistics for Yellowstone National Park", 2016[6] Riley, Brian, "Chinese Tourism in the Wake of the Pandemic", Cheyenne, Wyo., May 2022[7] Whittlesey, Lee, "Deaths in Yellowstone", National Park Service, 2018
Insights:
- Motor vehicle accidents within Yellowstone National Park are comparatively rare, but crashes on surrounding roads highlight unique challenges faced by international tourists.
- The majority of accidents involving foreign tourists occur on roads outside of Yellowstone, with most deaths occurring due to various causes.
- As the U.S. tourism industry braces for a potential resurgence in international visitors in 2025, lingering safety concerns and a wary international tourist market may hamper recovery.
- Increased vigilance and safe driving practices are essential as foreign visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with local road conditions and types, travel to and around Yellowstone National Park.
- Despite the precautions and allure of Yellowstone National Park, motor vehicle accidents remain a concern, not just within the park, but also on the surrounding roads.
- In 1921, a fatal car accident in the Fishing Bridge area of Yellowstone claimed the life of a 38-year old woman, signifying an ominous trend of car-accidents in the park.
- According to Park historian Lee Whittlesey, motor vehicle accidents are the second most common cause of deaths within Yellowstone National Park.
- Eerily, Mother Shipton's prophetic words, "Carriages without horses shall go, and Accidents fill the world with woe," seem to hold true for travelers visiting Yellowstone National Park.
- The recent tragic crash west of Yellowstone, involving a van and a pickup truck, serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers facing Chinese and Italian tourists traversing the snowbound roads south of Old Faithful.
- With international tourists accounting for a significant percentage of visitors to Yellowstone, the specter of accidents looms large, particularly as travel recovers from the effects of the global pandemic in 2025.
- The general-news of car-accidents surrounding Yellowstone National Park underscores the need for increased vigilance and safe driving practices among foreign visitors, as they navigate the park's scenic, yet perilous roads.
- In the aftermath of the recent crash, the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco reported that eight of their citizens were injured, adding to the growing concern for the well-being of international travelers in the region.
