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 showcased the chaos, with multiple attendees on the ground at the annual event in Broussard and New Iberia. Firefighters were seen tending to an individual trapped under the car, which ultimately ended up in a ditch along the parade route. According to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, approximately 15 people suffered injuries, some of which were serious. Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, stated, Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act. Acadian Ambulance responded to the incident around 2:30 p.m., deploying 10 ambulances and a helicopter to assist the injured, with two patients being airlifted to medical facilities. The Louisiana State Police reported that the 57-year-old driver, who resides in Jeanerette, displayed signs of impairment upon their arrival and subsequently tested positive for a high blood alcohol level. He is facing charges for impaired, negligent, and careless driving, as well as possession of an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. The parade was part of a three-day celebration in the Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood that includes many families and is close to the Buddhist temple grounds of Wat Thammarattanaram. The festivities typically include Southeast Asian cuisine, live music, parades, and various family-friendly activities that draw thousands of visitors each year. In response to the tragedy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his condolences, saying, Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene. Festival organizers also shared their sadness over the incident, stating, We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time. Although afternoon and evening events were canceled, organizers planned to hold religious services on Sunday.
Tragic Incident at Lao New Year Parade in Louisiana Leaves Several Injured
A vehicle struck attendees at a Lao New Year parade in Louisiana, resulting in multiple injuries. The driver has been arrested and charged with impaired driving.
A vehicle struck revelers at a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana, injuring around 15 people. Authorities arrested the driver, who has been charged with multiple offenses related to impaired driving. The incident occurred in a Laotian neighborhood during a three-day New Year celebration. Despite the tragedy, organizers plan to continue with religious services following canceled evening events.
