At least 15 people were injured on Saturday after an alleged drunk driver ploughed into pedestrians at a Louisiana parade celebrating the Lao New Year. Some of the injuries are believed to be serious, authorities said.
Louisiana state police said a man had been charged with driving while impaired, careless operation and 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring after the incident in New Iberia.
He is also accused of having an open container with an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle.
Acadian Ambulance posted on social media that it transported 13 people to hospital. Two of them were airlifted, the ambulance service wrote on X.
Videos posted to social media showed a chaotic scene with several people on the ground near a blue vehicle.
On X, Louisiana governor Jeff Landry wrote that he and his wife were “praying for all those affected”. He also expressed gratitude for the first responders.
Organizers of the Louisiana Lao New Year festival said on Facebook they were cancelling Saturday night’s music concerts, as well as alcohol sales.
“We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds,” the organizers said on Facebook. “We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.“
The three-day festival held every Easter weekend includes live music, parades and other activities celebrating the Lao New Year.
