Seven people were tragically killed and at least two dozen others were injured in a massive car pileup on a Louisiana highway, caused by a “super fog” that significantly reduced visibility. The incident involved a staggering 158 vehicles and occurred on Interstate 55 on Monday morning. The heavy fog conditions were cited as the main factor leading to the crash, according to the Louisiana State Police.
Emergency crews and first responders worked tirelessly for hours to clear the debris from both the northbound and southbound lanes of the highway. The crash scene, spanning 11 miles, is expected to remain closed “for the foreseeable future.” Preliminary investigations have revealed that the crash involved 158 vehicles.
Tragically, additional fatalities may be discovered as the crash scene is fully cleared. Police have reported that a portion of the crash scene caught fire shortly after the initial incident, resulting in severe damage to several vehicles. The Louisiana State Police shared images showing multiple car pileups, with some cars completely burnt.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos and quick succession of collisions that unfolded on the highway. One witness, Lance Scott, described the harrowing experience of hearing the continuous sounds of collisions behind him, just moments after he came to a stop with minimal damage to his vehicle.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his condolences, stating that he and his wife are praying for those injured and killed in the crash. He urged residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution while traveling on foggy roads and also encouraged blood donation to help replenish supplies needed to care for the wounded.
The combination of dense fog and smoke from wildfires has proven to be a dangerous mix, highlighting the need for heightened safety measures. Governor Edwards thanked the first responders and medical personnel who worked diligently to save lives and render aid. He emphasized that the best way to support them, in addition to being cautious on the road, is to donate blood at local donation centers.
As investigations into the crash continue, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
