At least 13 people injured at Louisiana Lao New Year Festival after vehicle crashes into crowd, driver charged with DWI

At least 13 people were injured after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a crowd Saturday during the Laotian New Year festival in Louisiana, authorities said.

Louisiana State Police arrested the driver, Todd Landry, 57, of Jeanerette, Louisiana, following the incident. He was charged with 18 counts of first-degree negligent injury, DUI, negligent driving and open container, police said.

Deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Saturday that they were investigating an incident involving a vehicle that struck several pedestrians during a parade. The driver showed signs of impairment, state police said, and he submitted a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol content of 0.137 percent.

Acadian Ambulance reported on X that it had transported 11 patients by land and two by air.

“Several people were injured, some believed to be seriously,” the sheriff’s office said. Based on a preliminary investigation, the incident does not appear to be an intentional act, officials said.

The incident occurred during a Laotian New Year event in Louisiana celebrating the Buddhist New Year.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival said the festival’s music programs were canceled Saturday evening following the incident, but vendors remained open until 9 p.m.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the incident near the festival site,” the statement said. “We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available. All security resources have been redirected to the scene and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances.”

“Sharon and I are praying for everyone affected and are grateful to the first responders who responded to the scene,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in a message on X.