Massive 'Super Fog' Crash on Louisiana Interstate Results in 7 Fatalities
A devastating pileup on I-55 in Louisiana, attributed to "super fog" that severely reduced visibility, resulted in the death of seven people and injuries to at least 25 others. The accident, which took place on Monday morning, saw 158 vehicles damaged.
Authorities from the Louisiana State Police confirmed the scale and severity of the crash, citing the challenging fog conditions as the primary cause.
The aftermath of the incident led to an 11-mile-long traffic backup, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Traffic Development. Police have expressed concerns that the current death toll could rise as they continue to clear the scene.
In response to the pileup, a significant section of the 24-mile-long I-55, located near New Orleans, is expected to remain closed indefinitely.
In the hours following the incident, emergency personnel labored to clear debris from both directions of the interstate. Noted Storm Chaser, Brandon Clement, reported that the first responders and emergency teams had set up a large tent equipped with portable restrooms and a communication center to manage the recovery and cleanup efforts.
A witness, Lance Scott, shared his harrowing experience with FOX Weather, recounting the terrifying sequence of collisions. Scott, who was fortunate enough to be among a small group of cars that escaped damage, described the frightening sounds of multiple crashes occurring in rapid succession shortly after his vehicle came to a stop.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards, and his wife extended their prayers to the victims and their families. Emphasizing the perilous mix of wildfire smoke and dense fog, Gov. Edwards urged all residents in affected regions to exercise extreme caution while traveling.
Additionally, Gov. Edwards expressed his gratitude to first responders and medical staff for their tireless efforts in providing aid and saving lives. As a gesture of support and to help cope with the strain on medical supplies due to the accident, he encouraged the public to donate blood at local donation centers.