TL;DR
- At least 13 people injured at a parade in Louisiana.
- A drunk driver struck multiple pedestrians.
- The driver was arrested with a high blood alcohol content.
- Festival organizers canceled evening events after the incident.
- Investigation ongoing, with community support for victims.
In a shocking turn of events, a vibrant celebration of the Lao New Year in Louisiana was marred by tragedy as a drunk driver plowed through a crowd of revelers, leaving at least 13 people hospitalized. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon at the corner of Savannakhet Street and Melancon Road in Broussard, a small town just southwest of Lafayette. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as the car struck multiple pedestrians, prompting immediate emergency responses.
The driver, identified as 57-year-old Todd Landry from Jeanerette, was arrested at the scene after showing clear signs of impairment. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.137%, well above Louisiana’s legal limit of 0.08%. Landry now faces serious charges, including 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, careless operation, and possession of an open alcohol container in his vehicle.
The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that several of the injured individuals sustained serious injuries, and the local ambulance service transported 11 victims by ground and two by air. The crash occurred during a festive event celebrating the Buddhist new year, which was meant to be a joyous occasion for the community.
In light of the incident, festival organizers promptly canceled the evening’s music programs and redirected security to the scene. They expressed their profound sadness in a statement on Facebook, saying, “We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available. We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.”
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As the investigation unfolds, the community is rallying to support those affected by this tragic event. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also shared his condolences on social media, thanking first responders for their swift action and expressing his prayers for all involved.
While the festival plans to resume scheduled religious services and vendor activities if security can be restored, the shadow of this incident looms large, reminding everyone of the importance of safety and responsibility during celebrations. The investigation continues, and authorities are working diligently to gather more information about the events leading up to this devastating crash.