A drunk driver crashed into a crowd of festival-goers during a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana on Saturday, leaving approximately 15 people injured, law enforcement officials reported.
Police quickly apprehended the driver and filed impaired driving charges against the suspect.
Social media footage from the annual celebration in Broussard and New Iberia captured multiple victims lying on the ground. The clips revealed emergency responders treating someone pinned under the vehicle, which came to rest in a roadside ditch after plowing through the parade.
About 15 individuals sustained injuries in the crash, with several in serious condition, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act,” stated sheriff’s office spokesperson Rebecca Melancon.
Acadian Ambulance reported deploying 10 ambulances and one helicopter to the scene around 2:30 p.m. The private emergency service transported two critically injured patients by air.
Louisiana State Police identified the suspect as a 57-year-old Jeanerette resident who showed signs of intoxication upon officers’ arrival. Blood tests revealed elevated alcohol levels, leading to charges for impaired, reckless and negligent operation, plus possession of an open alcoholic beverage in his vehicle.
The procession was part of a three-day New Year festival held in Lanxang Village, a Laotian community near New Iberia housing hundreds of families, adjacent to the Wat Thammarattanaram Buddhist temple complex.
The annual celebration draws thousands of visitors for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, live entertainment, parades and family activities.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry released a public statement addressing the tragedy. “Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene,” he said.
Festival coordinators posted a Facebook message expressing their devastation over the incident.
“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” the statement read.
While organizers cancelled all remaining Saturday activities, they announced plans to proceed with Sunday’s religious ceremonies.
