At least seven people died in multiple car crashes in Louisiana due to a combination of dense fog and smoke from marsh fires. The crashes involved a total of 158 vehicles, with 25 people injured. Governor John Bel Edwards called for blood donors and prayers for the victims. The cause of the crashes is still under investigation. News Herald reported
At least seven individuals tragically lost their lives in a series of massive car crashes that occurred on Monday morning in New Orleans. The incidents were caused by a combination of dense fog and a “superfog” of smoke from fires in the south Louisiana marshes. A total of 158 vehicles were involved in the collisions, resulting in 25 injuries. The number of fatalities may unfortunately rise as first responders continue to clear the crash sites and search for victims.
Louisiana State Police released a statement on Monday evening, urging people to donate blood and requesting prayers for those affected by the accidents. Disturbing videos from the scene depicted a chaotic and devastating scene, with cars crushed, engulfed in flames, and piled on top of each other. Onlookers stood in shock while others remained trapped in their vehicles, waiting for assistance.
One survivor, Christopher Coll, shared his harrowing experience. He explained that he had already started slowing down when an F-250 truck drove onto his work trailer, causing him to be thrown around. Coll could hear the sounds of crashing cars, popping tires, and cries for help from fellow drivers. Fortunately, he managed to kick open his passenger door and escape. He then bravely assisted others, pulling one person out through a car window.
Another survivor, Clarencia Patterson Reed, was also caught up in the series of collisions. Reed recounted how she saw people desperately signaling for her to stop, but before she could react, her car was struck from behind and on the side by two other vehicles. The crashes continued for approximately 30 minutes, with the constant sound of collisions. Reed managed to escape her car, but her wife was trapped inside and suffered injuries to her leg and side.
Aerial photos shared by the Louisiana State Police on their Facebook page showed the extent of the damage, with dozens of cars wrecked and debris scattered across both northbound and southbound lanes of the elevated interstate. The interstate passes over swamp and open waters between lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas. State troopers are still in the process of notifying families, investigating the causes of the crashes, and coordinating with the state’s transportation department for a bridge inspection.
The accidents caused major traffic congestion, with miles of backed-up vehicles on I-55. The lack of visibility also led to the closure of sections of I-10 and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. School buses were called in to transport stranded motorists from the accident sites. In one incident, a vehicle went over the highway guardrail and into the water, but fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed.
The National Weather Service reported that multiple wetland fires in the region combined with the fog to create a “superfog.” Visibility improved as the fog lifted, but it remains uncertain how long the marsh fires, which produced visible smoke and a strong smell in the New Orleans area over the weekend, will continue to affect visibility.
The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate also reported that several schools in and near New Orleans had to cancel classes or delay openings due to the smoke and fog. The city even provided free masks in certain areas to help residents cope with the thick smoke from the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge.
It is truly a tragic event that has shaken the community, and the authorities are working diligently to provide support and investigate the causes of these devastating crashes..