New Orleans, Louisiana – A thick “superfog” caused by a combination of smoke from marsh fires and dense fog led to multiple fatal accidents on Monday, shutting down sections of Interstate 55 and 10 near New Orleans. This “superfog” resulted in at least two dozen traffic accidents, including multiple pileups involving over 150 cars, leaving seven people dead and at least 25 injured.
The accidents led to the closure of several sections of the interstate highways, causing heavy traffic congestion and delays. Videos and images taken by drivers and law enforcement showed the aftermath of the accidents, with crushed vehicles and debris scattered across the interstate. Some vehicles were overturned and piled on top of one another.
The chaotic scenes were exacerbated by a portion of the area catching fire, with a tanker truck carrying hazardous liquid being compromised and off-loaded, delaying the response and rescue efforts. The Louisiana State Police advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes due to heavy fog and the increased risk of accidents.
In addition to the accidents, the “superfog” forced several schools in the New Orleans area to cancel or delay classes. The National Weather Service described the “superfog” as a result of the combination of smoke from wetland fires and fog, warning locals and visitors to avoid the area until the fog completely dissipates.
While fog is a normal occurrence in Louisiana during this time of the year, the additional smoke from a marsh wildfire has exacerbated the conditions, leading to poor visibility on the roads. The National Weather Service also cautioned that smoke from multiple marsh and local fires is still possible in some areas due to the lack of rainfall and anticipated foggy conditions in the coming days.
The fire in the New Orleans area was reportedly caused by a lightning strike back in July and has been burning in a hard-to-access part of the wetland, making it difficult for authorities to extinguish it. The smoke from the fire, coupled with a chemical-like smell and a separate fire in the Barataria Preserve, has created challenging conditions for both residents and motorists.
In response to heavy fog conditions, the Louisiana State Police advised drivers to use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, minimize distractions, and increase distance from other vehicles. These precautions are essential to mitigate the risks associated with driving in heavy fog and poor visibility.
The “superfog” and its aftermath serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and potentially hazardous nature of weather conditions, as well as the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure safety on the roads.