Fatal phenomenon: "Superfog" develops near New Orleans

A wall of dense fog piled up in the US state of Louisiana, leading multiple accidents on a major highway in New Orleans.

On Monday morning, 23rd October, a combination of smoke from marsh fires and dense fog led to the development of "superfog" in southeast Louisiana, USA.

Unfortunately, plummeting visibility contributed to numerous multi-car pileups on the major interstate highway of I-55.

A tanker truck carrying a dangerous liquid burst into flames, causing other vehicles to catch fire. As a result of the accident, a vehicle also fell off a bridge into the water.

At least seven people were killed and more than 20 people injured and needing hospital treatment. In total, more than 150 vehicles were involved in at least 25 crashes, due to visibility that was less than three metres at times.

The cause of the deadly fog was a combination of fires in the surrounding wetlands causing thick smoke, alongside the regular occurrence during this time of year that is the formation of fog.

Driving in fog can be hazardous, with the phenomenon becoming increasingly likely heading through autumn. Check in with the WeatherRadar before heading out and slow down when driving in fog.