Seven people have tragically lost their lives after a 'super fog' caused a devastating 158-car pile-up on a Louisiana highway.
Drone footage has shown apocalyptic scenes in the aftermath of the wreckage.
The crash is thought to have happened because of 'super fog' as smoke from smouldering undergrowth mixes with cooler air and water vapour.
Advert
This subsequently covered Interstate 55 near New Orleans on Monday morning (23 October), essentially reducing visibility to near zero, making it extremely dangerous for motorists.
The exact location of the crash was in St John the Baptist Parish, which is to the North-West of New Orleans.
It sits on an interstate next to Lake Pontchartrain, the second largest largest inland body in the whole of the US.
State police have said a crash of more than 158 vehicles had caused a portion of the road to catch fire in devastating scenes.
They also say a tanker truck carrying 'hazardous liquid' was destroyed because of the fire.
Advert
Seven deaths have been confirmed so far, but police have warned more casualties may be discovered in the coming hours as emergency services scope through the wreckage.
More than 25 people have been taken to hospital, though the condition they are in at this stage remains unclear.
The road where the cash took place runs through a swamp, with the smouldering material believed to have produced smoke and water vapour.
When this is mixed with colder air, it is understood to create the 'super fog'.
Advert
This coincides with an extreme draught that is currently taking place in Louisiana, which has caused dry marshland to catch fire.
The smoke reduces visibility to less than ten feet when it becomes fog, according to the US National Weather Service (NWS).
"Under light wind conditions, super fog meanders through low terrain areas such as creek beds or drainage ditches,” the NWS said.
Advert
“Super fog can be very dangerous when present over highways, and has been the cause of several large, multi-vehicle pile-ups.”
A local police spokesperson has said that first responders 'continue to search for victims of the crash'.
They added: "Preliminary investigation revealed that at least 158 vehicles were involved in this morning’s crash.
"That total is from both north and southbound lanes. Seven fatalities have been confirmed.
Advert
"Over 25 individuals were transported to area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries from critical to minor. Many victims sought medical assistance on their own.
"It is possible that additional fatalities could be located."
Topics: US News, Cars, Weather