HORRIFIC: 150+ Vehicles Damaged, 7 Dead In Louisiana Interstate Pileup

A devastating tragedy unfolded Monday on a Louisiana interstate.

Seven individuals died, at least two dozen were injured, and 158 vehicles sustained damage in a massive pileup caused by ‘super fog’ that created near zero visibility on the highway.

The horrific crash occurred Monday morning on I-55, according to Louisiana State Police.

TRAGEDY: 7 dead, 25 injured, 158 cars damaged in foggy crash on I-55 in Louisiana. https://t.co/NGM7z4Tzhv via @newscentermaine

— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) October 24, 2023

“The Louisiana Department of Traffic Development reported an 11-mile backup,” Fox News reports.

WATCH:

Around 100 vehicles were involved in a massive pileup caused by "superfog" on I-55 outside of New Orleans on Monday.

At least two people were killed and more than two dozen others were injured. ⁣ pic.twitter.com/c1VVkVxxZp

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 23, 2023

WGNO reports:

The Louisiana State Police and additional first responders are still searching for victims of a deadly car pileup in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Investigations revealed the crash happened around 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, on Interstate 55 near Manchac and Ruddock.

Both directions of the roadway were closed as a result of the pileup.

Troopers reported at least 158 vehicles were involved, 25 people were taken to area hospitals with a range of injuries, and seven deaths have been confirmed.

In the midst of the crash, a tanker truck carrying what troopers described as a hazardous liquid caught fire after the initial crash. Troopers say the truck is in the process of being unloaded and once the truck is removed, responders will be able to better assess the vehicles in that area.

Officials note additional fatalities are possible but Louisiana State Police ask that anyone missing a family member who may have been driving in the area at that time, call Troop B at (504)- 471-2775.

BREAKING NEWS: Louisiana 'super fog' pileup on interstate leaves 7 dead, 25 injured, over 150 vehicles damaged https://t.co/bncN7ONO4Q

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 24, 2023

‘Super fog’ causes 158-vehicle pile-up with at least 7 dead in south Louisiana: officials https://t.co/sJvyn0Vfpl pic.twitter.com/ShEfLVI209

— New York Post (@nypost) October 24, 2023

WATCH:

A "super fog" in Louisiana caused a multi-car pileup on I-55 near New Orleans after severely reducing visibility, police say.

Gov. John Bel Edwards confirmed that there were fatalities in the crash, but did not say how many people were killed or injured. https://t.co/iH0E5sVDio pic.twitter.com/Zg3IhrS75v

— ABC News (@ABC) October 23, 2023

Per Fox News:

A long stretch of Interstate 55, a 24-mile-long highway near New Orleans, is expected to be closed “for the foreseeable future,” police said.

For hours after the crash, emergency crews worked to clear debris from both northbound and southbound lanes, according to state police.

Storm Chaser Brandon Clement told FOX Weather that first responders and emergency crews had a large tent with portable restrooms and a communications center to stage the recovery and cleanup.

Police said that a portion of the large crash scene caught on fire shortly after the initial incident.

Photos from the Louisiana State Police show multiple car pileups, with some of the cars being severely burned from the accident.

“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,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement.

“I also want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have worked so diligently to save lives and render aid. The best way you can help them, besides exercising caution on the road, is to donate blood at your local blood donation center. It will help replenish supplies that are being drained today to care for the wounded,” he added.