New Orleans Tragedy: Vehicle Crashes into Crowd on Bourbon Street
A devastating incident occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day in the French Quarter of New Orleans, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives. The popular tourist district of Bourbon Street was bustling with activity when a vehicle plowed into a crowd, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.
Witness Accounts and Police Response
Several eyewitnesses reported to CBS that a truck crashed into the crowd at high speed, and the driver subsequently exited the vehicle and began firing a gun. The police responded swiftly, returning fire and attempting to apprehend the suspect.
Casualties and Injuries
The city of New Orleans released a statement confirming that 30 people were transported to local hospitals with injuries, and 10 people were initially reported dead. However, by late afternoon, the death toll had risen to 15, according to the city’s disaster administration.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time, between Bourbon and Iberville streets, as reported by local television station WGNO. CBS observed several people receiving treatment for injuries near the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets.
Investigation and Official Response
A spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department stated that initial reports suggested a car may have struck a group of people, resulting in unknown injuries and reported fatalities. The incident is currently under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds.