Dozens hurt as pickup truck plows into New Orleans parade

At least 12 said critically injured; police and mayor say driver was intoxicated, do not suspect terrorism

By ToI Staff 26 February 2017, 5:00 am Edit
The scene in New Orleans shortly after a pickup truck rammed into a parade crowd, February 25, 2017. (YouTube screen capture)
The scene in New Orleans shortly after a pickup truck rammed into a parade crowd, February 25, 2017. (YouTube screen capture)

At least 28 people were hurt when a pickup truck driver plowed his vehicle into a crowd at a parade in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday evening local time, police said.

Conflicting reports said between five and 12 people were in critical condition.

One victim is a three-year-old child. Another is a female police officer who was pinned under the vehicle.

International media reports noted the similarity to recent terrorist car-ramming attacks in France, Germany and Israel, but an initial statement by local police said the driver appeared to be drunk or under the influence of drugs.

Both police and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said there was no indication that the incident was a terror attack.

The driver is under arrest.

The crash took place at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time, according to CBS News, at the intersection of Carrollton and Orleans avenues as the Krewe of Endymion parade, one of New Orleans’ largest, passed by.

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