Vehicles were crushed, rammed under one another and some engulfed by flames.

In a statement, the Louisiana State Police said the so-called “super fog”, caused by a mixture of marsh fires and dense fog, led to a massive pileup on Interstate 55, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) outside of New Orleans.

Pictures of the accident showed both lanes of the highway bridge blocked off by the wreckage, which included dozens of charred vehicles.

The accident also led to an eruption of a fire on the highway.

One vehicle appeared to have driven off the bridge and fell into the water below.

According to the National Weather Service, super fogs form “when a mixture of smoke and moisture released from damp smoldering organic material such as brush, leaves and trees, mixes with cooler, nearly saturated air.”

When super fogs occur, visibility can fall to less than 10 feet (three meters). 

The National Weather Service said there were multiple wetland fires in the region.

Twenty-five people were injured and the number of fatalities may increase as first responders continue to clear the crash scenes and search for victims, Louisiana State Police said.

Louisiana State Police shared aerial photos on their Facebook page showing dozens of crashed cars and extensive debris on both northbound and southbound lanes of the elevated interstate, which passes over swamp and open waters between lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has issued a call for blood donors and asked for prayers for those hurt and killed.

Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions on I-55. The lack of visibility also prompted closures of parts of I-10 and the 24-mile (39-kilometre) Lake Pontchartrain Causeway at times.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Updated: 24 Oct 2023, 10:30 PM IST