Vehicle Collision Injures Multiple at Louisiana Lao New Year Parade
Several individuals sustained injuries when a vehicle collided with participants at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year on Saturday in rural Louisiana. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred during the annual festivities in the communities of Broussard and New Iberia.
Driver Arrested on Impaired Driving Charges
The driver, identified as a 57-year-old resident of Jeanerette, was promptly apprehended by law enforcement officials. According to the Louisiana State Police, the individual exhibited signs of impairment upon their arrival at the scene and subsequently tested positive for a high blood alcohol concentration.
The driver faces multiple charges, including impaired driving, negligent and careless operation of a vehicle, and possession of an open container of alcohol within the automobile.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Approximately fifteen people were harmed in the collision, with some suffering serious injuries, as reported by the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. Video footage circulated on social media platforms depicted numerous individuals lying on the ground in the aftermath of the incident.
Firefighters were observed attending to one person who became trapped beneath the vehicle, which ultimately came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the parade route.
Acadian Ambulance, a private emergency medical service provider, disclosed that they responded to the emergency around 2:30 p.m., deploying ten ambulances and a helicopter to assist the injured. Two patients required airlift transportation to medical facilities for further treatment.
Official Statements and Festival Details
Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, stated, "Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act."
The parade constitutes a component of a three-day New Year celebration hosted in Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood situated near New Iberia that is home to hundreds of families and is proximate to the Buddhist temple grounds of Wat Thammarattanaram.
The festival typically features Southeast Asian cuisine, live musical performances, a parade, and various family-oriented activities that draw thousands of attendees annually.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued a statement expressing his condolences, remarking, "Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene."
Organizers of the festival posted a statement on Facebook, indicating they were "profoundly saddened" by the occurrence. "We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time," the statement read.
Afternoon and evening events were canceled following the incident; however, the festival planned to proceed with religious services on Sunday, as confirmed by the organizers.
