Massive 168-car pileup kills 8, injures 63 in dense ‘superfog,’ Louisiana cops say

A thick wall of “superfog” may be to blame for a chain-reaction crash that saw 168-vehicles pile up on Interstate 55 northwest of New Orleans, according to Louisiana State Police.

Eight died in the chaos, and 63 people were injured, according to a news release. The injuries ranged from minor to critical.

The crash happened early Monday, Oct. 23, in St. John the Baptist Parish, along Lake Pontchartrain.

Drone images show vehicles and debris piled up on both sides of the interstate, with at least one vehicle falling from a bridge into the water below.

“Dozens of area first responders continue to search for victims of the crash,” state police said.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that at least 158 vehicles were involved. ... That total is from both north and southbound lanes. ... A portion of the crash scene caught on fire shortly after the initial incident.”

A tanker truck of “hazardous liquid” was involved and the load was considered “compromised,” officials said. An inspection of vehicles surrounding the tanker was postponed until the liquid could be off-loaded.

“Once the tanker is removed, first responders will be able to better assess the vehicles in that immediate area,” police said. “It is possible that additional fatalities could be located.”

All the vehicles had been removed as of Wednesday, Oct. 25, but the interstate will remain closed “for the foreseeable future.” Most of the pileup was on a bridge and “preliminary inspections and have identified multiple areas requiring bridge repairs,” officials said.

“A comprehensive structural inspection will take place once the bridge surface is completely clear of debris, diesel, and other chemicals,” state police said.

An initial cause of the pile-up has not been reported, but weather conditions appear to be a factor.

National Weather Service forecasters report “dense fog & smoke have combined to form what is known as Superfog (yes, it is the technical name) & this is still heavily impacting I-55.”

A dense fog advisory remained in effect for Tuesday, Oct. 24, forecasters said.

“Due to ongoing marsh fires in the area, the fog could be enhanced to become near zero visibility conditions,” forecasters said.

This story was originally published October 24, 2023 at 6:53 AM with the headline "Massive 168-car pileup kills 8, injures 63 in dense ‘superfog,’ Louisiana cops say."