At least 13 people were injured after an alleged drunk driver struck a crowd at the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival on Saturday, authorities said.
Louisiana State Police arrested the driver, 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette, and charged him with 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, driving while impaired, careless operation and open container.
Deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said they were investigating an incident in which a vehicle struck multiple pedestrians during a parade. Authorities said the driver showed signs of impairment and submitted a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol content of 0.137%.
Acadian Ambulance said it transported 11 patients by ground and two by air. The sheriff’s office said several individuals sustained injuries, some believed to be serious. Officials said the incident did not appear to be intentional based on a preliminary investigation.
The crash occurred at a Louisiana Lao New Year event celebrating the Buddhist New Year. In a Facebook statement, the festival said music programs were canceled for Saturday night but vendors remained open until 9 p.m., and that all security resources had been redirected to the scene.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he and his wife are praying for those affected and expressed gratitude for the first responders who responded to the scene.
