SEVEN people have died after a tourist bus smashed into a pickup truck near Yellowstone National Park.

Horror pictures show both vehicles up in flames on a “dangerous highway” after the deadly accident which left eight others injured.

The van was carrying 14 tourists on board when it crashed into a Chevy pickup truck on a highway in eastern Idaho on Thursday.

Six of the tourists died along with the driver of the truck, Idaho State Police confirmed.

They added that others were rushed to hospital in an air ambulance “due to the severity of the injuries”.

Police confirmed they have opened up investigations into the tragic accident.

The identities or nationalities of the victims are yet to be revealed.

Local resident Roger Merrill saw the flames as he drove home from work.

He told CBS News the stretch of road is known for being “extremely busy” at this time of year due to an influx of tourists to the park.

Merrill said: “It is a very dangerous highway because it leads to the main entrance of Yellowstone National Park.”