Manchac, Louisiana – A tragic incident unfolded on I-55 interstate when a “superfog” caused by marsh fires and dense fog led to a series of car crashes, resulting in at least 63 injuries and eight fatalities. The massive pileup involved 168 vehicles and left a trail of destruction and devastation on the busy interstate near the community of Manchac.
The harrowing scene of the accident showed an endless junkyard of cars, with vehicles crushed and rammed under one another, some engulfed by flames. Witnesses described the chaos and disbelief as emergency responders worked tirelessly to aid the victims. The lack of visibility due to the “superfog” also prompted closures of parts of I-10 and the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway at times.
Reports revealed the heroic efforts of individuals like Christopher Coll, who found himself caught in one of the pileups. Coll’s account of the terrifying experience depicted the sounds of crashing cars and popping tires as he managed to escape and help others amid the wreckage.
Authorities mobilized school buses to transport stranded motorists from the accident sites on the elevated I-55, crossing swamp and open waters between lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas. The state police shared aerial photos on its Facebook page, depicting the extensive debris and wreckage on both northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate.
In the aftermath of the pileup, efforts were underway to notify families, investigate the causes of the crashes, and assess the extent of damages to the interstate. First responders also focused on offloading a tanker truck carrying hazardous liquid after discovering that the tank was compromised.
The incident prompted concerns about the impact of the “superfog” caused by the wetland fires and dense fog, with multiple schools announcing class cancellations or delayed openings due to the smoke and fog. The National Weather Service revealed that the visibility improved as the fog lifted and that dense fog advisories had largely been lifted.
As the search for victims continued and the community grappled with the aftermath of the tragic events, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a call for blood donors and asked for prayers for those affected by the devastating pileup on I-55.