In recent hours, the death of one of those injured in the accident involving nearly 160 vehicles on an interstate highway in Louisiana increased the death toll to eight people and at least two dozen injured. The incident occurred due to a super dense fog on the road that left drivers without visibility. This happened due to a combination of fog and a large amount of smoke from some active forest fires in the southern part of the state.
Louisiana State Police reported that the long stretch of Interstate 55, where the accident occurred, will remain closed "for the foreseeable future." They also noted that the number of deaths may increase as the investigation and the process of rescuing victims and cleaning the site continues. This task is being carried out by emergency teams.
Investigation Continues into Deadly I-55 Crash
Preliminary investigation revealed at least 158 vehicles were involved in the crash. 7 fatalities have been confirmed. Over 25 individuals were transported to area hospitals with injuries. Updates posted at: https://t.co/qdKWkkxmKH— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) October 24, 2023
Officers also reported a fire that was caused by the accident. Governor John Bel Edwards sent a message on X, formerly Twitter, asking his followers to join him and his wife in "praying for those hurt and killed in today’s tragic I-55 crash, as well as their families."
Please join me and Donna in praying for those hurt and killed in today's tragic I-55 crash, as well as their families. The combination of wildfire smoke and dense fog is dangerous, and I want to encourage all Louisianans in affected areas to take extreme caution when traveling. I also want to thank the first responders and medical staff who have worked so diligently to save lives and render aid. The best way you can help them, besides exercising caution on the road, is to donate blood at your local blood donation center. It will help replenish supplies that are being drained today to care for the injured.
Gov. Edwards Statement on I-55 Traffic Accident #lagov pic.twitter.com/AHYMsthS2n
— Gov. John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) October 23, 2023
