- Safiu Kehinde
At least ten people have been confirmed dead with 30 others injured after a vehicle drove into a large crowd in New Orleans, authorities say
The incident occurred at approximately 03:15 local time (09:15 GMT) at the French Quarter – a popular tourist destination in the city
Witnesses told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that the driver of the vehicle then got out and started firing a weapon
Wounded people have been transported to hospital and emergency response teams are at the scene.
According to BBC, Police say the driver was “hell bent on creating the carnage he did” and also opened fire on officers.
“Initial reports show a car may have plowed into a group of people. Injuries are unknown but there are reported fatalities,” New Orleans Police Department spokesperson told CBS News.
Describing the incident as an horrific act of violence in a post on his X handle, Louisiana governor, Jeff Landry, urged people to stay away from the area where the attack took place.
Meanwhile, the FBI has taken over the investigation and say an improvised explosive device has been found at the scene and agents are assessing its viability.
New Orleans has seen shootings and cars colliding with crowds at past parades.
In November 2024, two people were killed and 10 others injured in two separate shootings along a New Orleans parade route and celebration attended by thousands, local media reported.
In February 2017, a pickup truck driven by a man who police said appeared to be highly intoxicated plowed into a crowd of spectators watching the main Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, injuring more than 20 people.