A dense fog exacerbated by marsh fires in Louisiana resulted in a catastrophic collision involving 158 vehicles just west of New Orleans on Monday. Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives, while at least 25 others sustained injuries, leaving a trail of wreckage and burnt vehicles strewn across a bridge spanning Lake Maurepas, as confirmed by officials.
Distressing images shared by the Louisiana State Police revealed that at least one vehicle had plunged over the edge and lay partially submerged in the water. The search for victims from this multi-vehicle accident extended for hours following the initial collision, according to updates posted on the state police’s Facebook page.
Additionally, a fire erupted in a section of the crash site, prompting emergency responders to safely remove hazardous materials from a tanker truck. Consequently, the accident necessitated the closure of Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish.
This massive collision was one of several accidents in the region attributed to the thick fog, as reported by law enforcement.
Governor John Bel Edwards expressed his condolences in an official statement and urged the public to donate blood to support the increasing demand for medical care for the injured. He also implored drivers to exercise caution in response to the perilous combination of wildfire smoke and dense fog.
Local media referred to these conditions as a “super fog,” a term aligned with the National Weather Service’s description. This meteorological phenomenon is characterized by a combination of smoke and moisture emanating from damp, smoldering organic material, resulting in severely reduced visibility, often to less than 10 feet (3 meters).
