ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. – Both directions of Interstate 55 northwest of New Orleans are closed after a series of 25 multi-car pileups killed two people in zero visibility, according to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff.
On northbound lanes, about 18 tractor-trailers crashed. Three of those were fully engulfed in flames. Another multi-car chain reaction accident blocked southbound lanes. The Louisiana Department of Traffic Development reports an 11-mile backup.
FOX 8 in New Orleans reported that there was also a third major pileup. The remainder of the accidents occurred near the major three.
At least one vehicle was pushed over the rail of the elevated highway, according to the sheriff. The driver and passengers were injured but are still alive.
A wildfire that has been smoldering since July flared up. A combination of the smoke and fog has been choking out greater New Orleans for two days. The NWS issued Dense Fog Advisories for most of southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Meteorologists called this super fog. Moisture was released from the damp smoldering marshes and knocked visibility to below 10 feet.
The area is between Ruddock and Manchac. The Louisiana State Police do not have an estimated time of reopening yet. Traffic is being diverted onto I-51.
The DOTD also closed I-10 near New Orleans where it splits from I-310. Drivers are being diverted onto 310. There were several accidents reported near that intersection in very low visibility.
Check back for updates on this developing story.