Vehicle Strikes Revelers At Louisiana Lao New Year Parade
A vehicle struck paradegoers near New Iberia injuring roughly 13–15 people; driver arrested with a 0.137g BAC and two patients airlifted, organizers canceled music programs.
TownhallVehicle Plows Into Louisiana Festival Parade, Injuring At Least 13
Straight Arrow NewsAt least 13 injured after car strikes crowd at Louisiana Lao New Year celebration
CBS NewsAt least 13 people injured at Louisiana Lao New Year Festival after vehicle crashes into crowd
USA TODAYAt least 15 hurt after driver plows car into Louisiana parade crowd
Overview
A vehicle struck revelers at a Lao New Year parade in Lanxang Village near New Iberia, Louisiana, injuring roughly 13 to 15 people, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., and Acadian Ambulance said it sent 10 ambulances and a helicopter, transporting 11 patients by ground and two by air.
The driver, identified by state police as 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette, showed signs of impairment and registered a breath alcohol level of 0.137 grams, officials said.
Landry was booked on charges including driving while impaired, first-degree negligent injuring, careless operation and having an open container, and sheriff’s spokesperson Rebecca Melancon said the preliminary probe does not appear to be an intentional act.
Festival organizers canceled Saturday evening music programs, said vendors would remain open until 9 p.m., and said Sunday would include only religious services if security resources are restored, the organizers said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as an accidental, community-focused incident by foregrounding a sheriff's preliminary statement that it 'does not appear to be an intentional act' and emphasizing emergency response and gubernatorial prayers. editorial choices de-emphasize victim or driver perspectives, privileging official reassurance and communal context over investigative uncertainty.