Super Fog: Weather May Have Played Role in I-95 Fatal Disasters
According to local reports, at least three people have died after more than a dozen cars crashed into a pile on the Interstate in Volusia County, Florida.
The Miami Herald reports that at least five accidents occurred on Highway I-95 in Edgewater, Florida. The incident happened around 1.30am on Thursday when visibility was severely impaired due to fog and controlled burns in the area.
According to authorities, at least one semi-truck was involved. One child was taken to hospital in stable condition, Herald reported.
It is unclear how many people were injured in the crashes, but some have been taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Much of the blame for the crash has been placed on the “superfog,” in which smoke and moisture mix with cool air and reduce visibility to less than 10 feet.
I-95 remains closed in the vicinity of Edgewater, and the lanes facing north will need to be rebuilt before they can open.
There are more footage of the aftermath of the crash
A spill of diesel fuel as a result of a major platform accident caused a fire and explosion in thick fog.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 5:20 p.m.
The key highway remains closed in both directions
Detours remain in effect as the key I-95 highway from north to south remains closed.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 5:00 p.m.
Earlier, a Florida patrol gave a press conference
Shortly after 7 a.m., when lights improved, a Florida Highway patrol gave a news conference confirming the number of vehicles and casualties.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 4:45 p.m.
Eric Mock of Spectrum News 13 says the highway can only open in the afternoon or early evening.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 4:30 p.m.
ABC branch WFTV9Q McCray reports that a red SUV involved in an accident in the south was towing a motorcycle at the time.
The SUV was sandwiched between two tractors, the driver died in the accident.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 4:15 p.m.
The extent of the incident was determined in the afternoon
The scale of the incident became clear when the day came – the accident took place at about 01.30.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 16:00
Road closures
I-95, heading north, is closed on State Road 5A (231 miles) to State Road 442. Drivers may re-enter North I-95 on SR-442.
The I-95 to the south is closed on State Road 44 (mile marker 249) to State Road 5A. Drivers can re-enter the south on the SR-5A.
The state military said the south side would be the first to open.
The emergency paving crew will repair the lanes as soon as the debris from the accident is removed.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 3:40 p.m.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 3:35 p.m.
What is “super fog”?
According to National Weather Service, A “superfog” is formed when a mixture of smoke and moisture emitted from a damp smoldering organic material, such as brushes, leaves and trees, mixes with cooler, almost saturated air.
Visibility is reduced to less than 10 feet. In low winds, super-fog meanders over low-lying areas such as creeks or drainage ditches.
Super-fog can be very dangerous when it is on the highway, and has caused several large congestions of several vehicles.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 3:20 p.m.
The number of injured remains unknown
An unknown number of people were injured in the incident, one child was taken to hospital.
Oliver O’ConnellMarch 3, 2022 3:10 p.m.
