Death Toll Rises To Eight In Series Of Crashes Monday On I-55

The Louisiana State Police say the death toll in the series of crashes on I-55 Monday morning is now eight.

Troopers say the wrecks happened on both the northbound and southbound lanes of the freeway in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Officials report there were 168 vehicles involved, and 63 people were injured in addition to the fatalities.

Parts of I-55 are now open as the cleanup at the scene continues.

But the bridge near Manchac, between Ruddock and Akers, is still closed as of early this morning.