NEW IBERIA, LA — A vehicle accelerated into a crowd at the Lao New Year festival around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, injuring at least 18 people, according to the Louisiana State Police.
The driver, Todd Landry, 57, of Jeanerette, was arrested on charges including driving while impaired and negligent injuring. Authorities reported that Landry displayed signs of intoxication and registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.137%.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic after the vehicle struck bystanders near Melancon Road and Savannakhet Street. Eyewitness Devin Eschette, who attended the festival with friends, recalled hearing the engine rev before the vehicle launched into festivalgoers.
Wendy Hebert, another attendee, recounted the immediate aftermath, stating that the crowd split as people rushed to both escape and assist the injured. Emergency crews transported multiple victims to local hospitals, with some said to be in critical condition.
Festival organizers expressed their sorrow in a statement, praying for the victims and their families. “We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds,” the statement said.
As of Monday noon, Landry remained at the Iberia Parish Jail, with no court appearance scheduled. Initial police reports were not available due to ongoing investigations by authorities.