Over 150 vehicles involved in ‘super fog’ interstate pileup that killed at least 7 people
The combination of morning fog and smoke from a nearby wildfire produced a "super fog" that led to at least seven deaths in a traffic pileup of more than 150 vehicles near New Orleans on Oct. 23, police said.
The dense mist drastically reduced visibility on Interstate 55 during the morning commute on a busy stretch of the highway. The devastating crashes led to multiple 18-wheelers and other vehicles being engulfed in flames and motorists being stranded for hours.
Stunning aerial images shared by the Louisiana State Police on Facebook show charred remains of some vehicles and dozens of other cars and trucks piled on top of one another. At least 158 vehicles were involved in crashes, police said.
Troop B Transit Alert / I-55 Ruddock and Manchac Area October 23, 2023 6:45pm Update: Louisiana State Police Investigation Continues into Deadly I-55 Crash St. John the Baptist Parish - Louisiana State Police and dozens of area first responders continue to search for victims of the crash on I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Preliminary investigation revealed that at least 158 vehicles were involved in this morning’s crash. That total is from both north and southbound lanes. Seven (7) fatalities have been confirmed. Over 25 individuals were transported to area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries from critical to minor. Many victims sought medical assistance on their own. A portion of the crash scene caught on fire shortly after the initial incident. One tanker truck carrying a hazardous liquid is being off-loaded due to a compromised tank/trailer. 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. Louisiana State Police asks anyone missing a family member who was traveling through the area this morning to contact Troop B at (504) 471-2775. Further, if you were involved in the crash or were a witness, please contact Troop B (TroopB@LA.gov) and provide Troopers with your contact information. The removal of vehicles will take additional time. Following the clean-up of the interstate, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will inspect the bridge for any deficiencies. We will continue to update the public as the investigation progresses. All updates will also be posted to the Louisiana State Police Facebook page. #LSP Drone Footage: Troopers and emergency crews continue to work in the area of these crashes. Both northbound and southbound lanes have extensive debris. Troopers are working diligently to notify families, investigate the exact causes of the crashes and coordinate with Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to have bridge inspections completed. I-55 is expected to be closed for the foreseeable future. Continue to follow us for updates. Thank you to all area First Responders who are assisting. UPDATE as of 2:30pm: I -10 East and West is now open on the Bonnet Carre Spillway UPDATE for Road Closures: Interstate 55 southbound is now closed starting at milepost 22. Traffic is being diverted to U.S. Hwy 51. Interstate 55 northbound is now closed at milepost 1. Traffic is being diverted to Interstate 10 westbound. Interstate 10 westbound is now closed at Interstate 310. Traffic is being diverted to Interstate 310 southbound. Interstate 310 northbound is now closed at Interstate 10 westbound. Traffic is being diverted to Interstate 10 eastbound. Interstate 10 eastbound is now closed at U.S. Hwy 51. Traffic is being diverted onto U.S. Hwy 51. Original Post Ruddock – Troopers are currently responding to multiple crashes on Interstate 55 (in both directions) between Ruddock and Manchac. There is heavy fog in the area and drivers should avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes. If drivers do experience heavy fog conditions, please see the following: · Headlights on - If you can’t see 500 feet in front of you, you should have your low-beam headlights on · Reduce speed - Speed limits are for ideal conditions, you can be ticketed for driving too fast in heavy fog (not an ideal condition) · Minimize distractions and increase following distance from other cars Use the 511 app or visit LA511.org for additional roadway conditions.
Posted by Louisiana State Police on Monday, October 23, 2023
I-55 remained closed in both directions on the morning of Oct. 24, and authorities fear they may find more victims in the massive wreckage.
“It spans about a mile in distance," Sgt. Kate Stegall of the Louisiana State Police told reporters at a press conference. "And it’s broken down into several other crashes.”
About 2 million people were under a dense fog advisory from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to New Orleans on Oct. 24, according to TODAY weatherman Al Roker.
The smoke from a marsh fire near Bayou Sauvage outside New Orleans has combined with the fog to create dangerous conditions. The fire has been burning for nearly three months since it was first caused by a lightning strike on July 29, according to NBC affiliate WDSU.
Monday's catastrophic pileup also left dozens injured, police said.
"I’m still shaking at this very moment," motorist Clarencia Readus told NBC News correspondent Morgan Chesky on TODAY on Oct. 24.
From a nearby hospital, Readus recalled how the super fog impacted her and her wife, Lisa. They were driving for about 12 miles on the interstate before visibility started to dramatically decrease from the fog.
"We’ve seen some people on the other side waving their hands and letting us know to stop," Readus said. "We were hit from the back. Then we see another car on the left-hand side hit us, then had another car in the back of us hit us. And for 30 minutes, all you can hear is just booms everywhere from both sides."
The two are recovering from their injuries but were thinking of those families who lost loved ones.
"Some people is going to have to live with this the rest of their life," Readus said. "The only thing that people can actually do right now is to pray for those people."
There is no timetable for when the highway will be reopened to traffic. Structural engineers also have to inspect a mile-long section of a bridge on the highway to ensure it's safe after fires may have damaged it, Chesky reported.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
