On Monday, October 23, 2023, in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, a deadly “super fog” condition led to a massive vehicular accident on Interstate 55.
The extreme weather phenomenon, a combination of dense fog and smoke from wildfires, reduced visibility to less than 10 feet, causing a pile-up of nearly 158 vehicles.
The aftermath of the crash was devastating, with seven confirmed deaths and over 25 people hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Due to the unprecedented wildfires and drought in recent months, Louisiana has seen an increase in such weather conditions. The super fog was particularly dense between the early hours of 4 AM and 10 AM, making driving conditions treacherous. Nearby marsh fires exacerbated the situation, contributing to the thick fog that blanketed the highway.
The immediate aftermath of the pile-up saw various vehicles, including a tanker carrying hazardous liquid, catching fire. Due to the magnitude of the crash, first responders found it challenging to access the site. They had to work under dangerous conditions, with flames and the threat of toxic material leaks, to rescue the victims. One vehicle notably fell off a bridge into a lake. Fortunately, the driver of that vehicle survived.
Authorities, including the Louisiana State Police (LSP), released statements to inform the public and the families of the victims about the incident.
Given the severity of the crash and the extensive debris scattered across both the northbound and southbound lanes, the section of Interstate 55 where the pile-up occurred has been shut down for an undetermined period.
In light of the event, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement extending his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. He also took the opportunity to remind residents to exercise extreme caution when driving under such challenging conditions. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of community support, urging residents to donate blood to help the injured.