Local News
Serious incident occurring on Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge
A significant incident on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world’s longest bridge over water, caused the closure of its northbound lanes on Saturday morning.
The bridge, which connects New Orleans to the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, was shut down after reports of an emergency surfaced.
Serious incident occurring on Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridgehttps://t.co/OO8tJtJJut pic.twitter.com/zX5XVYKoXy— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) November 16, 2024
The Causeway Commission issued an alert at approximately 11:40 a.m., notifying the public about the lane closure due to what was described as a “serious incident.”
Officials initially estimated the closure would last about an hour, though further updates were not immediately available.
Photos and videos captured by onlookers at the scene showed towering flames and thick black smoke rising from the bridge. Motorists were seen standing outside their vehicles, observing the incident as traffic came to a standstill.
Authorities have not released specific details about the nature of the incident or whether there were any injuries. Emergency responders are actively managing the scene, and an investigation is underway.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice. Updates from the Causeway Commission are expected as the situation develops.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.