New Orleans, Louisiana — A tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter as a truck plowed into a large crowd, killing at least 10 people and injuring 30 others, according to a city government agency.
The devastating event, which took place during New Year’s Eve celebrations, has left the historic district in shock. NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, confirmed that the injured were rushed to at least five different hospitals across the city.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. According to CBS News, the truck sped into the crowd before the driver exited the vehicle and began firing a weapon. Police reportedly returned fire, but these details have not been confirmed by the New Orleans Police Department, which has yet to respond to requests for comment.
“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated on social media platform X, urging residents and visitors to avoid the area.
Eyewitness Accounts
A couple who spoke to CBS News said they heard loud crashing noises and then saw a white truck smash through a barricade “at a high rate of speed.” The truck continued into the crowd, leaving a trail of destruction before coming to a stop.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not disclosed the identity or motive of the suspect involved in the attack. The New Orleans Police Department has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Historical Context
This is not the first time New Orleans has experienced such violence. In November 2024, two separate shootings during a parade left two dead and 10 injured. In 2017, a drunk driver plowed into a crowd during Mardi Gras, injuring over 20 people.
The French Quarter remains cordoned off as investigators piece together the sequence of events. City officials have called for unity and vigilance in the aftermath of this heinous act.
