Fifteen folks have been injured, a few of whom have been in critical situation, on Saturday after a vehicle struck a number of pedestrians during a parade in New Iberia, Louisiana, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office mentioned.
The driver of the vehicle is in custody, and the preliminary investigation decided the incident “does not appear to be an intentional act,” mentioned Rebecca Melancon, the general public data officer for the sheriff.
The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival mentioned it’s “profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds.” The pageant, which began Friday night, mentioned it’s nonetheless ready for extra data from authorities.
“All security resources have been redirected to the scene, and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances,” the assertion mentioned. Saturday night’s pageant music applications have been canceled, however distributors will stay open till 9 p.m.
Depending on whether or not safety assets are restored for Sunday, the pageant will proceed however solely contain spiritual providers and distributors, the assertion mentioned.
“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” pageant organizers mentioned.
Eli Anderson, a pageant attendee and witness to the incident, informed NCS affiliate KATC he was a few toes away from getting hit by the vehicle. “In that moment, my brain just stopped. I just thought, ‘Is this actually happening?’” mentioned Anderson.
Anderson mentioned he and different pageant attendees have been strolling within the parade, listening to music and having fun with themselves when he seen a man “get into his automotive, begins revving his engine, and inch nearer to the parade.
“I just simply thought he was coming to join the parade because the car was kind of nice and it was loud. He inches closer and closer, revs his engine again and plows through everybody,” he continues.
“There were people in the golf cart, the guy hit the golf cart and they flew off. Not sure exactly what happened to them, but I know they’re in the hospital right now,” he informed KATC.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said on X he and his spouse are “praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene.”
The state’s Attorney General Liz Murrill also released a statement, saying she is “praying for all those injured and impacted by this terrible tragedy and will be following up with responding law enforcement agencies to offer support.”