Idaho Police Now Confirm Alcohol Was a Factor in 7-Fatal Car Accident

There is finally some clarity in what caused a deadly accident near Yellowstone National Park in early May.

Due to the damage caused by the crash and fire that followed, in addition to the number of people killed and where they were from, determining facts about what caused the tragic accident has taken time.

Police Say Alcohol a Factor in Idaho Accident That Killed 7 People

Authorities in Idaho now believe they know what caused the accident and have issued a stern warning to drivers who make the choice to drink and drive.

In the new report from the Idaho State Police, we learn that the driver who caused the accident had a blood alcohol level of 0.20, which is more than double the legal limit in Idaho of 0.08.

The accident happened on May 1st near Henry’s Lake as a tour van was headed to Yellowstone National Park on US 20. A truck headed in the opposite direction crossed the center line and hit the van head-on. The vehicles caught fire, and 7 people were pronounced dead from the crash.

READ MORE: 7 People Killed in Fiery Crash Near Yellowstone National Park

Authorities have determined that a number of the dead were from other countries, including China and Italy.

Intoxicated Driver in Idaho Kills Seven People in Fiery Crash

Idaho State Police Captain Chris Weadick says the deadly accident ‘should be a wake-up call. No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences’.

In the ISP report, drivers are urged and warned to remember that DUI accidents are preventable and start with each driver making the responsible choice to not drink and drive.