Vehicle Strikes Crowd at Louisiana Lao New Year Parade, Injuring 15

A vehicle struck participants at the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival parade in New Iberia, Louisiana, on Saturday afternoon, injuring 15 people, some critically, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office. The driver is in custody, and preliminary investigations suggest the incident was unintentional.

The crash occurred near the festival grounds in the Lanxang Village area, a Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia. The three-day festival features Southeast Asian food, live music, and family-friendly activities, attracting thousands annually. Festival organizers expressed their sorrow over the incident and are awaiting further details from authorities.

Emergency services responded promptly, with Acadian Ambulance dispatching 10 ambulances and a helicopter to the scene. Two patients were airlifted for medical treatment. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry extended his prayers to those affected and gratitude to the first responders.