Deadly New Orleans Crash: Driver Kills 10, Injures 30 in New Year’s Day Carnage
New Orleans was struck by tragedy on New Year’s Day as a driver in a pickup truck plowed through a crowd of pedestrians in the bustling French Quarter district, leaving 10 people dead and 30 others injured. The incident unfolded around 3:15 a.m. along Bourbon Street, a popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Chaos and Terror Unfold
According to officials, the driver appeared to be “hell-bent on carnage,” deliberately targeting innocent revelers in what has been described as a terrorist attack by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The city’s police chief confirmed that the act was intentional, while an assistant FBI agent stated that it was not classified as a terrorist event.
Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, revealed that authorities were investigating the presence of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene. The situation escalated further when the driver emerged from the truck and shot two police officers, who are currently in stable condition.
Authorities on High Alert
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick emphasized that the driver’s actions were premeditated, with the intent to cause as much harm as possible. Despite the chaos, she assured the public that safety measures would be heightened for the upcoming Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome.
As of now, officials have not disclosed the driver’s status, potential motives, or if there is an ongoing threat to public safety. The injured victims have been transported to local hospitals, and President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the people of New Orleans have come together to support one another and mourn the lives lost. The city’s emergency preparedness department, NOLA Ready, has been actively involved in coordinating aid for the injured and providing updates to the public.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, the resilience and unity of the people of New Orleans serve as a beacon of hope in the face of tragedy.