Over a dozen injured after car strikes pedestrians at Lao New Year parade in Louisiana

At least 13 people were hospitalized after a car struck revelers at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year in Louisiana on Saturday, officials said.

Lao New Year Parade Crash Injures Multiple People

The car struck “multiple pedestrians” at the corner of Savannakhet and Melancon Road in New Iberia, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said.

A Louisiana Lao New Year event celebrating the Buddhist new year was underway at the time of the incident.

“Several individuals sustained injuries, some of which are believed to be serious,” the sheriff’s office said.

Acadian Ambulance transported 11 patients by ground and two by air as a result of the crash, according to a post on X.

The driver is in custody, the sheriff’s office said, but their name has not been released.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act,” the office said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Festival organizers canceled Saturday evening’s music programs in light of the crash.

“We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds. We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available,” organizers said in a post on the event’s Facebook page, noting that security has been redirected to the scene.

“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” they added.

The festival will reopen scheduled religious services Sunday and vendors will be open if security resources “are restored,” the organizers said.

Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on Facebook: “Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene.”