At least 13 people were hurt after a vehicle drove into a Lao New Year Festival parade in New Iberia, Louisiana; emergency crews treated and transported multiple victims and the suspected driver is in custody.
The scene at the Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia turned chaotic when a vehicle struck parade participants and bystanders, leaving at least 13 people injured. Two victims were reportedly airlifted from the scene, and 11 others were taken away in ambulances, according to a local ambulance service. Local responders worked quickly to stabilize the wounded and clear the area so additional medical help could get through.
Witness video shared on social platforms shows the immediate aftermath, with people on the ground and others helping the injured. Those clips capture frantic efforts by attendees to assist one another before emergency crews arrived. The raw footage underscores the suddenness of the incident and the shock felt by many who had gathered for the holiday celebration.
The suspect is reportedly in custody, and authorities secured the scene while investigators began piecing together what happened. Officials have not released a detailed timeline or motive as of the latest reports, and investigators continue to interview witnesses and review available video. Law enforcement presence remained heavy around the festival area while traffic and public access were restricted to preserve the scene.
Organizers and community members reacted with concern and sorrow after the attack disrupted a cultural celebration intended to bring families together. Volunteers and nearby residents pitched in to support the wounded and comfort those who were frightened or separated from loved ones. The incident has prompted local leaders to call for calm and to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward to law enforcement.
Medical personnel described a range of injuries among those taken to hospitals, from cuts and bruises to more serious trauma requiring immediate care. First responders prioritized transporting the most critically injured to facilities equipped for emergency surgery and intensive treatment. Hospitals in the region mobilized to receive patients and provide updates to families as information became available.
While investigators examine motives and the circumstances leading up to the crash, the community is left sorting through the ripple effects of the event. Local businesses and places of worship have already begun coordinating assistance for those impacted, including offering practical help and emotional support. The festival’s interruption has raised questions about safety planning at public gatherings and how communities can better protect celebratory events.
Officials cautioned that details could change as the investigation proceeds and encouraged patience while authorities compile facts. Early reports gave a snapshot of what emergency responders encountered, but follow-up statements are likely as investigators complete their work. Media coverage and social posts continue to circulate, and authorities are cross-checking those accounts with formal evidence and statements from eyewitnesses.
Community leaders emphasized support for victims and first responders while urging the public to avoid speculation. Counseling resources and local aid efforts were being organized to help people process the trauma and recover practical losses. In the days ahead, attention will turn to both the victims’ needs and the broader questions about how to prevent similar incidents at public gatherings.
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