A massive pileup in Louisiana tragically resulted in 7 deaths, more than two dozen injuries, and at least 158 damaged vehicles.

Authorities blamed ‘Super Fog’ for causing the deadly incident, which reduced visibility on the highway to nearly zero.

“There were several ‘multiple-vehicle’ crashes in the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 55, beginning at mile marker 22, and a stretch of the crash scene caught fire, state police said,” NBC News reports.

Some of the injured individuals were transported to the hospital, while others sought medical attention on their own.

According to Nola.com, the I-55 pileup closed roughly 20 miles of the highway.

 

Chuck Callesto writes:

Massive “Super Fog” Interstate Pileup in Louisiana involving 158 CARS Claims Multiple Lives, Injures Dozens..

A tragic incident unfolded in Louisiana, where seven people lost their lives, and at least two dozen individuals were injured in a massive pileup involving 158 vehicles on Interstate 55.

The fog severely reduced visibility, leading to the devastating crash.

The Louisiana Department of Traffic Development also reported an 11-mile traffic backup as a result of this tragic incident.

WATCH:

Nola.com reports:

While the Bonnet Carre Spillway and Causeway both reopened Monday after hours-long closures related to dense fog and smoke that settled in the region, the Louisiana State Police said residents should expect I-55 to remain closed for “the foreseeable future” as authorities work to clean up the wreckage.

The effort to remove the scores of damaged and destroyed vehicles from I-55 will take time, State Police said, with crews of tow trucks from all over the area working to clear both sides of the roadway.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development also plans inspect the bridges for damage from an intense fire involving at least two 18-wheelers, authorities said.

I-55 was still closed in both directions at 7 a.m. Tuesday, starting at about mile marker No. 1 northbound and mile marker No. 22 southbound, according to the latest update from State Police. Northbound traffic will be diverted to Interstate 10 West and southbound traffic to U.S. Highway 51.

NBC News added:

“Once the tanker is removed, first responders will be able to better assess the vehicles in that immediate area. It is possible that additional fatalities could be located,” police said.

At a news conference Monday, State Police Sgt. Kate Stegall said the crashes began shortly before 9 a.m. and stretched across a mile.

Stegall said that the investigation was fluid and that said the interstate will remained closed throughout the night Monday while the wreckage is cleared.

State police cautioned drivers about fog in a Facebook post about the crashed Monday morning.

“There is heavy fog in the area and drivers should avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes,” the post said.

“Please join me and Donna in praying for those hurt and killed in today’s tragic I-55 crash, as well as their families. The combination of wildfire smoke and dense fog is dangerous, and I want to encourage all Louisianans in affected areas to take extreme caution when traveling,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement.

“I also want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have worked so diligently to save lives and render aid. The best way you can help them, besides exercising caution on the road, is to donate blood at your local blood donation center. It will help replenish supplies that are being drained today to care for the wounded,” he added.

WWLTV aired this video report:

 

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.


We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.