In brief
During a Lao New Year parade in Louisiana, a vehicle struck attendees, injuring about 15 people, some seriously. The driver, 57, was arrested for impaired driving. The local authorities reported that this appeared not to be an intentional act. Emergency responders arrived quickly, providing care for the injured. The celebration, taking place in the Lanxang Village, aims to promote cultural heritage and family-friendly activities. Following the incident, certain scheduled events were canceled as the community offered prayers and support for those affected.
Several people were injured when a vehicle struck revelers at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year on Saturday in rural Louisiana, authorities said.
The driver was quickly arrested and charged with impaired driving, police said.
Video shared on social media showed multiple people on the ground at the annual event in Broussard and New Iberia. The videos showed firefighters tending to one person trapped beneath the car, which wound up in a ditch along the parade route.
Around 15 people were hurt, some seriously, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, Rebecca Melancon.
Acadian Ambulance responded to the emergency and sent 10 ambulances and a helicopter to aid the injured, with two patients airlifted.
The driver, a 57-year-old resident of Jeanerette, showed signs of impairment when police arrived and later tested with a high blood alcohol level. He faces charges including impaired and negligent driving, as well as having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.
The parade is part of a three-day New Year celebration set in Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia, featuring community activities like Southeast Asian food, live music, and a parade that attracts thousands each year.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a statement expressing sympathy and gratitude towards the first responders. Festival organizers expressed deep sadness over the incident and announced the cancellation of afternoon and evening events, but planned to hold religious services on Sunday.
