25 crashes on interstate kill at least 7, injure 30 in Louisiana, police say

MANCHAC, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - Multiple crashes on Interstate 55, both north and southbound, have prompted closures in both directions in Louisiana, according to state police.

Louisiana State Police said in a Monday night press conference that seven people were confirmed dead and at least 30 were injured. Police say that number could climb as first responders continue to work their way through a mile-long stretch of wreckage involving 158 vehicles.

St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre says there were a total of 25 crashes in three different spots along I-55 north and south. Three 18-wheelers were involved and at least two were fully engulfed in flames.

Dozens of cars were mangled and one was sent over the railing into Lake Maurepas below. State police say the occupants survived.

Over 100 people were stranded on the interstate and deputies had to run along the roadway to get to the crash sites.

Fog and smoke from marsh fires on the South Shore created hazardous road conditions Monday morning.

At around 11:40 a.m., state police opened a portion of I-55 to get stranded drivers in drivable vehicles off the interstate. Officials say I-55 will remain closed overnight and into Tuesday as crews will need to inspect several points along interstate for damage and make repairs if necessary.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statement on the crash, asking Louisianans to, “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 personnel 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 wounded.”

Several New Orleans schools have announced delayed start times for Tuesday, Oct. 23, because of hazardous driving conditions expected with morning fog and lingering marsh fire smoke.

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