More than 20 people have been rushed to hospital after a driver slammed into a crowd during a Buddhist parade in Louisiana.
The incident unfolded around 2:40pm Saturday during the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia.
The Acadian Ambulance service said on X that at least four victims were in critical condition, and two patients were taken to hospital via helicopter.
The number of victims is not yet clear, with first responders telling KADN that the total is more than 20 people.
Footage from the aftermath of the crash showed dozens of people laying on the floor injured as emergency workers raced to their side.
A blue muscle car appearing to have been the one that plowed into the crowd was seen in a ditch, and KADN described the perpetrator as an ‘alleged drunk driver’.
The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said it had the driver in custody, and based on its preliminary investigation the crash did not appear to be an intentional act.
The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival is a Buddhist celebration which honors the Lao culture.
The festival’s organizers said in a statement that they were ‘profoundly saddened’ by the crash, and said it would be cancelling the rest of Saturday’s festivities.
‘We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds,’ the festival said.
‘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.
‘In the interest of public safety, tonight’s festival music programs will be canceled (no live concerts, no alcohol sales).
‘We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.’