A video of a multi-car pileup on an interstate in Louisiana on Monday is circulating on social media, with "superfog" being likely to have played a significant role in the fatal accident.
According to Louisiana State Police, troopers responded to multiple crashes on Interstate 55, in both directions between Ruddock and Manchac. St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre said there are a total of 25 crashes in three different spots along I-55, with at least two people dead and 30 injured, according to local news station Fox 8. The state police also warned drivers there is heavy fog in the area and should avoid the area if possible and to use alternate routes.
As a result of the crashes, state police issued road closures in both directions between Ruddock and Manchac.
Newsweek has reached out to Louisiana State Police via email for further comment.
Video of one crash has begun to circulate on X, formerly Twitter, showing a huge amount of fog and damage of the multi-car pileup.
"Terrifying scene on I-55 between Ruddock & Manchac, Louisiana. Dense fog likely played a significant role in lowering visibility before this terrible car pileup. Hoping all are ok," meteorologist Scot Pilié wrote on X.
Terrifying scene on I-55 between Ruddock & Manchac, Louisiana.
— Scot Pilié (@ScotPilie_Wx) October 23, 2023
Dense fog likely played a significant role in lowering visibility before this terrible car pileup.
Hoping all are ok. https://t.co/WtLfM8A7b0
While state police have confirmed there is heavy fog in the area, some pointed out that smoke from a fire, caused by a lightning strike on July 29, has continued burning ever since and is contributing to smoky conditions, The Weather Channel reported.
In a post to X, the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans stated that the smoke combined with dense fog is known as superfog and led to worsening visibility issues in the area.
"Dense fog & smoke have combined to form what is known as Superfog (yes, it is the technical name) & this is still heavily impacting I-55 between Ponchatoula & LaPlace. The interstate was still closed according to @La_DOTD due to multiple accidents. Fog is slowly improving," NWS New Orleans wrote.
Dense fog & smoke have combined to form what is known as Superfog (yes, it is the technical name) & this is still heavily impacting I-55 between Ponchatoula & LaPlace. The interstate was still closed according to @La_DOTD due to multiple accidents. Fog is slowly improving. pic.twitter.com/xwovJBbuco
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) October 23, 2023
The hazardous road conditions leading to the fatal car crashes have also left three 18-wheelers involved, with at least two fully engulfed in flames. Meanwhile, over 100 people were left stranded as deputies had to run along the roadway in order to get to the crash sites, Fox 8 reported.
State police are encouraging drivers who find themselves experiencing heavy fog conditions to put their headlights on and if drivers can't see 500 feet in front of them to have their low-beam headlights on.
They are also advising drivers to reduce speed and minimize distractions while increasing the distance from other cars.
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Natalie Venegas is a Weekend Reporter at Newsweek based in New York. Her focus is reporting on education, social justice ... Read more
