Vehicle Crashes into Lao New Year Parade in New Iberia, Injuring Over 20
A vehicle drove into a parade celebrating the Lao New Year in New Iberia, Louisiana, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, resulting in injuries to more than 20 individuals. At least 13 people were hospitalized following the incident.
The driver was taken into custody by the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office. Preliminary investigations by the Sheriff's Office indicate the incident was not intentional. Emergency services rapidly responded to the scene, and festival organizers adjusted scheduled events in the aftermath.
Incident Details
The incident occurred Saturday afternoon at the corner of Savannakhet and Melancon Road in New Iberia. The city is located in Iberia Parish, approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) south of Lafayette.
The vehicle struck participants during the annual Louisiana Lao New Year festival parade. Social media videos from the scene showed multiple individuals on the ground near a blue vehicle shortly after the crash.
Casualties and Emergency Response
More than 20 individuals sustained injuries, with reports indicating at least 13 people required hospitalization. Some injuries are considered serious.
Acadian Ambulance transported 11 patients by ground and two patients by air for urgent medical treatment. Emergency services deployed 10 ambulances and two medical helicopters to the scene to manage the casualties.
Driver and Investigation
The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody by the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. The identity of the driver has not been publicly released at this time.
According to Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, preliminary investigations suggest that the act does not appear to be intentional. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances.
Festival Impact and Community Context
The Louisiana Lao New Year festival, which celebrates Lao culture and traditions, began on Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday over Easter weekend.
Following the incident, organizers announced the cancellation of all Saturday evening's musical performances. This decision was made citing public safety concerns and redirecting all security resources to the scene of the incident. Organizers stated that religious services and vendor operations might resume on Sunday, contingent on the availability of security resources. On Saturday, vendors were permitted to operate until 9 PM local time.
The Lao New Year is a traditional April celebration, often associated with Buddhist traditions. New Iberia hosts a notable Lao community, particularly in Lanexang Village. Many members of this community resettled in the United States after the Vietnam War and the Pathet Lao takeover in Laos in 1975.
Official Statements
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued a statement via Twitter/X. He expressed prayers for those affected by the incident and gratitude for the first responders who acted swiftly at the scene.