( CNN ) -- At least 50 vehicles were involved in a wreck that hurt dozens of people and closed part of a highway in southeastern Texas on Thursday , authorities said . At least 54 people were taken to various medical centers , including four who were in critical condition , said Deputy Rod Carroll of the Jefferson County Sheriff 's Department . Two vehicles caught fire , and several had heavy damage , he said . `` We are very fortunate not to have any fatalities , '' Carroll added . `` Not in my 23 years working have I seen anything like that . '' Poor visibility stemming from a mixture of fog and smoke probably caused the wreck , authorities said . Wildfires produced the smoke . A portion of state Highway 73 , about 5 miles west of Port Arthur , was closed in both directions .
NEW : 54 people are killed in a vehicle pileup on a Texas highway . Hospital : Two people remain in critical condition . NEW : Texas State Highway 73 is shut down after a pileup involving at least 50 vehicles . It was likely caused by poor visibility stemming from a mixture of smoke and fog .