A devastating incident in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter claimed at least 10 lives and left 30 others injured after a vehicle ploughed into a crowd, city authorities reported on Wednesday.
The tragedy unfolded at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a popular tourist area filled with revellers celebrating the New Year. According to NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness program, the collision resulted in mass casualties.
Witnesses told CBS News that the vehicle, identified as a truck, sped into the crowd before the driver exited and began firing a weapon. Police reportedly returned fire in response.
The exact time of the incident remains unclear, but the area would have been particularly crowded due to New Year celebrations.
Local law enforcement and emergency services are on the scene, with investigations underway to determine the motive behind the act. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the incident was intentional or linked to other criminal activities.
The shocking event has cast a shadow over the festivities in one of New Orleans’ most iconic districts, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural significance.
