Wildfire Smoke-Induced Crashes on Interstate 10 Near New Orleans: One Fatality, Eight Injuries, and Lingering Concerns
Early Tuesday morning, a series of at least five crashes occurred on Interstate 10 outside New Orleans, resulting in at least one fatality and eight injuries. The crashes were caused by dense smoke from wildfires in the region, reducing visibility to near-zero between Irish Bayou and Michoud Boulevard. Highway signs warned drivers about reduced visibility, and I-10 was closed for most of the day. The Michoud Fire, burning for nearly a month, remains a concern in a remote location with limited access, though officials stated the situation is under control. Hazardous driving conditions may return on Wednesday due to similar weather conditions. This incident occurred two weeks after a massive pileup on Interstate 55 caused by super fog, resulting in seven fatalities and prolonged road closures.
A fire at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, on Sunday caused major disruptions and evacuations after a sprinkler malfunction led to the release of a large chemical plume.