At least 15 people suffered injuries when an allegedly intoxicated driver crashed into a crowd during a Lao New Year parade in Louisiana. Deputies from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after the vehicle struck multiple pedestrians on Saturday.
Incident Details
Several victims sustained serious injuries, with at least two airlifted to hospitals by Acadian Ambulance. Social media images and videos captured the chaos, showing people on the ground beside a blue car that veered into the crowd. Footage depicted individuals bleeding as emergency responders worked to free someone trapped under the vehicle.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
Todd Landry, 57, from Jeanerette, faces 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, along with charges of driving while impaired and careless operation. Officials state that preliminary findings rule out any intentional act.
Festival Background and Response
The annual Lao New Year Festival, celebrating Songkran, takes place over Easter weekend in Lanexang Village near Broussard, about 140 miles west of New Orleans. This gathering draws one of the largest Lao communities in the U.S., rooted in refugee resettlement efforts spanning over 40 years.
Festival organizers expressed profound sadness over the incident. “We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available. All security resources have been redirected to the scene, and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances,” they stated. “We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.”
Events scheduled through Sunday were canceled for the remainder of Saturday to prioritize public safety.
Official Reactions
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted on X that he and his wife Sharon Landry are praying for those affected and expressed gratitude to first responders. State Attorney General Liz Murrill shared a message of support and plans to follow up with local law enforcement.
Context from Recent History
Louisiana has faced tragedies during New Year celebrations, including the January 1, 2025, Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans. There, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into crowds, killing 14 and injuring 30 before police killed him in a shootout. Authorities noted Jabbar’s reported ISIS inspiration.
