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.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.