Vehicle hits revelers during Lao New Year celebration in Louisiana
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A vehicle struck revelers at a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana, injuring around 15 people, some seriously, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.
- The 57-year-old driver from Jeanerette was arrested and charged with impaired, negligent, and careless driving, as well as having an open container of alcohol; he tested positive for high blood alcohol levels.
- Emergency responders, including 10 ambulances and a helicopter, attended the scene, with two patients airlifted to hospitals.
- The incident occurred during a three-day celebration in Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia, featuring cultural events that attract thousands annually.
- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and festival organizers expressed their condolences and prayers for the victims, with afternoon and evening events canceled but religious services planned for Sunday.
