A dense “super fog” hovered over New Orleans on Monday, shrouding the area in an impenetrable mist that led to traffic pileups involving dozens of vehicles and leaving at least seven people dead, the authorities said.
At least 158 vehicles were involved in a series of crashes, which began just before 9 a.m. on Interstate 55 northwest of New Orleans, the Louisiana State Police said, noting that fog had been a “contributing factor.” An additional 25 people were injured, some of them critically, the police said.
After the accidents, which involved vehicles in both the north- and southbound lanes, some of the vehicles caught fire, according to the police.
A tanker truck carrying “hazardous liquid” was being removed, the police said, adding that it was possible that “additional fatalities could be located.” The State Police urged anyone with a missing family member to contact the agency.
Aerial images posted to the State Police’s Facebook page show several pileups on Interstate 55, including some cars and trucks that appeared to be charred.
Organizations:
Louisiana State Police, State Police, State, Facebook
Locations:
New Orleans