Massive Louisiana mud accident claims seven lives and numerous injuries.
Seven individuals lost their lives, with more than two dozen sustaining injuries, and a staggering 158 vehicles were left damaged on an interstate in Louisiana due to a “super fog” event that drastically reduced visibility. This catastrophic accident, involving a minimum of 158 vehicles, transpired on Monday morning as a result of the thick foggy conditions, according to the Louisiana State Police. Furthermore, the Louisiana Department of Traffic Development noted an 11-mile-long traffic backup, and authorities anticipate additional fatalities might be discovered once the crash scene is fully cleared.
A substantial segment of Interstate 55, a 24-mile-long highway near New Orleans, is projected to remain closed “for the foreseeable future,” as reported by the police. In the aftermath of the collision, emergency response teams toiled tirelessly to remove debris from both the northbound and southbound lanes, per the state police. Storm Chaser Brandon Clement informed FOX Weather that first responders and emergency crews had set up a large tent equipped with portable restrooms and a communications center to facilitate recovery and cleanup efforts. Police disclosed that a portion of the extensive crash scene ignited shortly after the initial incident, with photographs from the Louisiana State Police revealing multiple car pileups, some of which were severely charred.
Lance Scott, speaking with FOX Weather, recounted the rapid succession of collisions while on the highway. He stated, “I happened to be in a little pocket of about probably 15 cars with no damage,” adding, “And probably two or three seconds after we came to a stop, you just heard boom, boom, boom, boom, collision after collision behind us.” Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his condolences and support, saying that he and his wife are “praying for those hurt and killed” in the crash.
In his words, “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.” Governor Edwards also urged residents to exercise caution when navigating foggy roads and to consider donating blood. He emphasized the importance of supporting first responders and medical personnel by replenishing blood supplies that are currently strained due to the care of the injured.
