Vehicle Strikes Parade Attendees at Lao New Year Celebration in Louisiana

Sun Apr 05 2026 10:00:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A vehicle crashed into revelers during a Lao New Year parade in Louisiana, resulting in multiple injuries. Authorities have arrested the driver on multiple charges.

During a traditional Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana, a vehicle struck attendees, injuring around 15 individuals, some seriously. The driver, a 57-year-old man from Jeanerette, was arrested for impaired driving after testing positive for alcohol. Emergency services responded swiftly, including the airlifting of two victims. The incident is under investigation, with initial findings suggesting it was not intentional. Local officials and festival organizers have expressed their condolences and concern for the victims.

Several people were injured when a vehicle struck revelers at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year on Saturday in rural Louisiana, authorities said.

The driver was quickly arrested and charged with impaired driving, police stated.

Videos shared on social media depicted multiple individuals on the ground at the annual event in Broussard and New Iberia, with firefighters attending to a person trapped beneath the car, which ended up in a ditch along the parade route.

According to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, approximately 15 people were hurt, with some sustaining serious injuries.

Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, mentioned, Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act.

Acadian Ambulance reported via social media that they responded to the emergency around 2:30 p.m., dispatching 10 ambulances and a helicopter to assist the injured, with two patients being airlifted.

The Louisiana State Police confirmed that the driver, a 57-year-old resident of Jeanerette, appeared impaired upon their arrival and later tested positive for a high blood alcohol level. He has been charged with impaired, negligent, and careless driving, as well as having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The parade is part of a three-day New Year celebration in the Lanxang Village area, which hosts many Laotian families and is located near the Buddhist temple grounds of Wat Thammarattanaram.

The festival features Southeast Asian food, live music, and various family-friendly activities that attract thousands each year.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his concern and prayers for the affected individuals and gratitude for the first responders on the scene.

The festival’s organizers also conveyed their profound sadness, stating, We are praying for the victims and their families during this difficult time. They canceled afternoon and evening events but planned to hold religious services on Sunday.