Local News
Several Crashes Involving Estimated 40-50 Vehicles at Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge in Louisiana
The full extent of their injuries is still unknown.
A major series of crashes involving an estimated 40-50 vehicles forced the closure of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge in both directions early Tuesday morning (Dec. 17).
Officials attribute the chain-reaction collisions to dense fog that blanketed the area, drastically reducing visibility and creating treacherous driving conditions.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after the initial crash reports and remain actively involved in assisting those impacted.
According to EMS sources, multiple injuries have been reported, and several individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The full extent of their injuries is still unknown.
One of the largest accidents occurred near mile marker 18, where at least 11 vehicles were involved.
Another significant crash further south included three vehicles.
Harrowing footage captured from the bridge shows vehicles severely mangled and piled together in a chaotic scene, underscoring the scale and devastation of the incident.
Authorities estimate that it could take several hours to clear the wreckage and reopen the bridge safely.
Crews are working diligently to remove damaged vehicles and debris, but officials anticipate the bridge will remain closed until at least this afternoon.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge and seek alternate routes for the remainder of the day. Law enforcement and emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are advising drivers to exercise extreme caution in foggy conditions.
Further updates on the cause of the crashes, traffic conditions, and the status of the injured are expected as the investigation progresses.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.