Car crashes into Louisiana Lao New Year parade, injuring 15 people

Incident at Louisiana’s Lao New Year Parade Leaves 15 Injured

A car struck participants at a Lao New Year parade in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday, leaving an estimated 15 people injured. According to a statement from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident does not appear to be an intentional act.

Eleven individuals were transported to the hospital using ground transport, while two victims were airlifted to seek urgent care. Ten ambulances and two medical helicopters were deployed to the scene. The Acadian Ambulance company confirmed the incident on social media.

The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival parade is an annual event that takes place in April, typically associated with Buddhism. The festival features live music, food vendors, and a beauty pageant. This year’s celebration was marred by the car crash, which occurred near the festival grounds.

In response to the incident, the festival organisers issued a statement on social media, expressing sadness over the news and awaiting additional details from authorities. They cancelled Saturday’s musical events but allowed vendors to remain open until 9pm local time. The organisers also stated that they would reopen only the religious services of the festival and vendors on Sunday, pending security resources.

The Lao New Year is a tradition with roots in Buddhism, celebrated annually in April as the dry heat gives way to the wet monsoon season in Laos. Louisiana is home to a small but vibrant Lao community, with many residents residing in the Lanexang Village neighbourhood, which translates to “million elephants” village.

The incident occurred in New Iberia, a city of over 28,000 located approximately 34km south of Lafayette, Louisiana. The area is situated roughly 214km west of New Orleans.

Source: Al Jazeera