Vehicle hits revellers during Lao New Year celebration

Several people were injured when a vehicle struck revellers at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year in rural Louisiana, authorities said.

Video shared on social media showed multiple people on the ground at the annual event in Broussard and New Iberia. The videos showed firefighters tending to one person trapped beneath the car, which wound up in a ditch along the parade route. Around 15 people were hurt, some seriously, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. The driver was in police custody. “Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, Rebecca Melancon.

Acadian Ambulance, an ambulance company, said on social media that it responded to the emergency around 2.30 pm and sent 10 ambulances and a helicopter to aid the injured. Two patients were airlifted, it said.