Slidell, Louisiana – At least seven people were tragically killed in a series of massive car crashes on Monday morning, caused by a combination of heavy fog and smoke from the marsh fires in south Louisiana. The Louisiana State Police reported that a total of 158 vehicles were involved in the pileups, leaving 25 people injured and the possibility of more fatalities as first responders continue to clear the scenes.
Videos and images of the devastating aftermath showed a long stretch of mangled and scorched cars on Interstate 55 near New Orleans. This apocalyptic scene left many in disbelief as they witnessed the extent of the damage. Christopher Coll, one of the drivers caught in the pileups, described the chaotic experience of being caught in the wreckage, with vehicles rammed under one another and engulfed by flames.
Clarencia Patterson Reed shared her harrowing experience of being hit multiple times by other vehicles as people waved for her to stop. The crashes continued for at least 30 minutes, leaving a scene of devastation in its wake. Multiple school cancellations and delayed openings were reported in and near New Orleans due to the thick smoke and fog caused by the marsh fires.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a call for blood donors and asked for prayers for the victims and their families. The state police shared aerial photos showing the extent of the damage on the interstate, where dozens of crashed cars and extensive debris covered both northbound and southbound lanes.
State troopers continued to work to investigate the exact causes of the crashes and coordinate with the transportation department to have the bridge inspected. The lack of visibility prompted closures of parts of I-10 and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway at times, causing traffic to back up for miles in both directions on I-55.
The National Weather Service reported that the heavy fog combined with the marsh fire smoke to create a “superfog,” which was a contributing factor to the crashes. While visibility improved as the fog lifted, it was unclear how long the marsh fires, which had been affecting the New Orleans area over the weekend, would continue to impact the region. Crews continued to work into the night to clear the vehicles and offload a tanker truck carrying a hazardous liquid.
The devastating pileups were a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous conditions that can arise from natural disasters and environmental factors. As authorities work to assess the situation and clear the debris, the community comes together to support those affected by this tragic event.