New Orleans, Louisiana – A thick “superfog” caused by a combination of marsh fires and dense fog led to multiple fatal traffic accidents on the interstate highways, resulting in the closure of several sections of Interstates 55 and 10 west of New Orleans. The “superfog” contributed to at least two dozen traffic accidents, including multi-car pileups involving over 150 cars. The accidents left seven people dead and at least 25 injured.
Videos and pictures taken by drivers, passengers, and law enforcement showed crushed vehicles packed among scattered debris along the interstate, with some cars overturned and atop of others. The mayhem and traffic issues forced several New Orleans area schools to cancel and delay classes, as reported by Nola.com.
The fog was a result of smoke from several wetland fires in the region combining with dense fog, creating what the National Weather Service referred to as a “superfog.” Although fog is normal during this time of year in Louisiana, it is the smoke from a marsh wildfire that is causing more damage with conditions expected to persist in the upcoming days due to air pressure and lack of rainfall.
The Louisiana State Police urged drivers to take precautions, advising them to turn their low-beam headlights on, reduce speed, and minimize distractions. Despite the SuperFog and the mayhem it caused, officials made sure that these accidents and delays do not happen in future.