Blood donations needed in wake of I-55 pileup that killed at least 2 and injured many more

The Blood Center is urging New Orleans area residents to donate blood after Monday’s multi-car pileup on Interstate 55, which left at least two people dead and many more injured. 

“Local hospitals urgently request blood components as they expect more patients to arrive,” the Blood Center wrote in a Facebook post Monday afternoon. “If you are eligible and able to donate blood, please consider heading to your nearest donation center. Your generosity can save lives during this emergency!”

It’s still unclear how many cars and people were involved in the crash, but local television stations and eyewitnesses said there were at least 25 crashes and dozens of injuries on both sides of I-55 near Manchac and Ruddock, where emergency responders are still working to combat fires and move people and cars off the elevated highway. Hundreds of vehicles are thought to have been involved. 

Gosh. This is just heartbreaking. This video shows the charred aftermath of that massive pileup on I-55. 2 people are confirmed dead. 30 others are hurt. pic.twitter.com/bDqKKyLSkg

— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) October 23, 2023

One driver told The Times-Picayune she heard from paramedics that at least five people are dead. Officials have not yet confirmed a total.

Thick smoke from marsh fires in the area combined with fog, called superfog, blanketed much of the New Orleans region and the Northshore overnight, reducing visibility and causing traffic issues and road closures all over the region during morning rush hour.