New Orleans ( CNN ) -- Two people were killed and more than 50 others injured Thursday in a 40-car pileup that shut down Interstate 10 in eastern New Orleans , authorities said . Both eastbound and westbound lanes were closed following the crashes , which began about 4 a.m. local time ( 5 a.m . ET ) , said Garry Flot , New Orleans police spokesman . It was unknown how long the interstate would be closed , he said . Twenty-two people were transported to hospitals with minor to critical injuries . Another 37 complained of minor injuries at the scene but refused medical care , Flot said . One firefighter suffered a cut on his face while performing his duties at the scene , Flot said . He was taken to a local hospital for stitches . The area was experiencing heavy fog at the time the crashes occurred , according to CNN meteorologists . CNN 's Sara Pratley contributed to this report .
The crashes began at about 4 pm local time . Heavy fog was in the air at the time . Traffic is shut down in both directions .