I-55 partially reopens following 168 vehicle pileup that killed 8 people

On Thursday morning, Louisiana transportation officials partially reopened I-55 following Monday’s 168 vehicle pileup that killed 8 people.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) opened a single lane of southbound I-55 around 10 a.m. on October 26 after inspectors determined the roadway was safe for travel. I-55 northbound remains closed and there is no estimated time for the northbound lanes to reopen.

The interstate has been closed almost all week following a pileup crash that occurred around 9 a.m. on October 23 on I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana amid dense “super fog” that reduced visibility for drivers.

The latest count of vehicles involved in the pileup is “at least 168,” including a tanker truck carrying hazardous liquid, according to Louisiana State Police (LSP).

Since the crash, the fatality count has risen to 8 people.

Sixty-three were injured.

As the investigation into the crash continues, LSP is asking anyone with dash cam or cellphone footage captured before, during, or following the pileup to submit video evidence at this link.

See video of the pileup aftermath below.