Over 20 Injured as Alleged Drunk Driver Crashes into Louisiana Lao New Year Parade
More than 20 people were injured on Saturday after an alleged drunk driver plowed into pedestrians at a Louisiana parade celebrating the Lao New Year, according to local reports from KADN-TV (Fox 15). The driver, who has not been publicly identified, is currently in custody following the incident, as confirmed by a statement from the Iberia parish sheriff’s office.
Serious Injuries and Emergency Response
Authorities indicated that some of the injuries are believed to be serious. First responders transported eleven people by ground and two by air for medical treatment, highlighting the severity of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, with the sheriff’s office stating they do not believe the act was intentional.
Chaotic Scene Captured on Social Media
Videos posted to social media depicted a chaotic scene, with several individuals lying on the ground near a blue vehicle. The footage underscored the sudden and violent nature of the event, which disrupted the festive atmosphere of the parade.
Official Response and Festival Impact
On social media platform X, Louisiana governor Jeff Landry expressed his condolences, saying he and his wife were “praying for all those affected.” He also thanked the first responders for their swift actions. The annual Louisiana Lao New Year celebration, which began on Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday, faced immediate repercussions. Event organizers announced the cancellation of that evening’s musical performances, citing public safety concerns. In a Facebook post, they stated, “We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds.” They added that if security resources are restored for Sunday, only the religious services and vendors would reopen.
Background on the Festival
The festival was billed as a celebration of the culture and traditions of Laos, a South Asian country. A livestream posted to the festival’s Facebook page on Saturday showed attendees dancing in the streets, a moving float, and dancers in traditional attire, contrasting sharply with the subsequent tragedy.
