Super fog near New Orleans blamed for massive pileup that killed 7, involved 158 vehicles
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More than 150 vehicles were involved in a pileup Monday on I-55 near Manchac, Louisiana. Photo: Courtesy of Casey Tusa
At least seven people were killed and 25 injured in fiery wrecks Monday during "super fog" conditions in metro New Orleans, officials said.
- Super fog is formed when dense fog combines with wildfire smoke, according to the National Weather Service. It dropped visibility to near zero Monday.
Driving the news: At least 158 vehicles were involved in crashes on I-55 near Manchac, which is just outside New Orleans, Louisiana State Police say.
- First responders continued to search for victims as of 7pm, says Lt. Melissa Matey of the State Police.
- Matey said it's possible the death toll will grow.
- They are waiting for a damaged tanker truck carrying hazardous liquid to be removed before they can fully access all the vehicles.
- She also said "many victims" sought medical assistance on their own and there's not a total count of injured. More than 25 people were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Zoom in: Police ask anyone with missing family members who were driving in the area to call authorities at (504) 471-2775.
The big picture: Fires are burning near Bayou Sauvage and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
- The fire in New Orleans East is burning underground in forested wetlands between Bayou Sauvage and the Michoud Canal, city officials said Monday.
- It's burned about 200 acres and "any form of suppression efforts from above the surface has had little to no effect extinguishing the fire," the statement said.
- New Orleans firefighters are working with the property owner, with the Sewerage & Water Board and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to clear a path so they can use water from the drainage canal to flood the area.
The Lafitte fire is 52% contained, according to the National Park Service, which operates the park.
- It affects 147 acres, and fire crews from seven states and four federal agencies are fighting it.
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation, NPS spokesperson Meredith Hardy tells Axios.
Threat level: In addition to contributing to low visibility, the smoke is polluting the air.
- The air quality fluctuates throughout the day. Check it for your ZIP code at AirNow.gov.
- Older adults, children, teens and people with heart or lung disease are encouraged to take extra precautions, such as limiting outdoor time when pollutants are high.
- Free N95 and KN95 masks are available this week at some libraries and recreational centers. (full list)
How to help: Give blood, authorities urge.
- "It will help replenish supplies that are being drained today to care for the wounded," Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement that offered prayers for those hurt and killed on I-55.
What's next: Another dense fog advisory is in effect from 3am to 10am Tuesday in southeast Louisiana, according to the National Weather Service.
- Visibility could drop to near zero again where fog mixes with smoke, the advisory says.
- Several schools in New Orleans are delaying start times on Tuesday, citing the hazardous driving conditions.
- Sections of I-55 remain closed as of 6am. Check traffic.
This story has been updated with new details throughout.
