Witnesses recount harrowing moments as a truck plows through revellers, leaving 10 dead and many injured amidst a suspected act of terrorism.
Devastation Strikes Bourbon Street: New Year’s Day Attack Claims Lives
Devastation Strikes Bourbon Street: New Year’s Day Attack Claims Lives
A shocking New Year’s Day incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans leads to tragic loss and chaos as authorities investigate a deadly attack.
In the early hours of January 1, crowds on Bourbon Street were jubilantly celebrating the New Year when an unexpected tragedy unfolded. A white pickup truck surged into a group of revellers, resulting in a horrific scene that left ten individuals dead and many more injured in New Orleans' bustling French Quarter.
Whit Davis, a witness who was in a nearby bar during the incident, described the chaos that erupted, stating, "People started running and getting under tables like it was an active shooter drill." Others, like Jim and Nicole Mowrer, witnessed the truck crashing through a barrier as it sped down Bourbon Street, quickly seeking shelter in an alcove. The sound of gunfire followed closely as police responded to the emergency.
A hotel worker nearby recounted how he rushed to assist victims after witnessing the aftermath from inside his establishment. "There were some people we put into the hotel for assistance and it was just, you know... the scene was just horrific,” he conveyed, grappling with the sheer devastation outside.
Following the initial collision, the truck veered further down the road, where the driver reportedly opened fire on police officers. Two officers sustained injuries but are in stable condition, according to authorities. The FBI confirmed the driver of the truck is deceased and has since begun an investigation into the incident, categorizing it as an "act of terrorism."
FBI Special Agent Althea Duncan noted that an improvised explosive device was discovered at the scene, with efforts underway to ascertain its viability. New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack, asserting that the driver appeared "hell-bent on creating carnage."
As investigators work to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, images from the scene paint a somber picture of a once vibrant celebration turned to despair, with Bourbon Street now eerily quiet and marked by the aftermath of violence. Witnesses continue to grapple with the shock of the events that unfolded before them on a night meant for joy.
