NEW IBERIA, La. — In a tragic turn of events during a Lao New Year celebration in rural Louisiana, a vehicle plowed into parade-goers, injuring several individuals, authorities reported on Saturday.
The driver involved in the incident was swiftly taken into custody and faces charges of driving under the influence, according to the police.
Footage circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing several people lying on the ground at the annual event held in Broussard and New Iberia. The videos revealed firefighters working to free a person trapped underneath the car, which had veered off and landed in a ditch along the parade route.
The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that approximately 15 individuals sustained injuries, with some in serious condition.
Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, explained, “Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act.”
Acadian Ambulance, a private ambulance service, reported on social media that it responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m., deploying 10 ambulances and a helicopter to assist those hurt. Two of the injured were airlifted for further medical care.
The Louisiana State Police said the driver, who is 57 and lived in Jeanerette, appeared impaired when police arrived and later tested positive for a high blood alcohol level. He was charged with impaired, negligent and careless driving and having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.
The parade is part of a three-day New Year celebration set in the Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia with hundreds of families, and near the Buddhist temple grounds of Wat Thammarattanaram.
It features Southeast Asian food, live music, a parade and other family-friendly activities attracting thousands each year.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a statement about the incident. “Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene,” he said.
The festival’s organizers issued a statement on Facebook saying they were “profoundly saddened” by the incident.
“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” it said.
Afternoon and evening events were canceled, but the festival planned to hold religious services on Sunday, the organizers said.
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