10 dead, 35 injured after vehicle rams crowd in US, driver opens fire
NEW DELHI, JAN 1 : At least 10 people were killed and over 35 injured after a vehicle ploughed into a crowd of people in central New Orleans on Wednesday morning, according to reports. The incident occurred at around 3.15 am at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville, an area known for its bustling nightlife and vibrant culture.
The vehicle, reportedly a truck, crashed into a crowd at high speed, and the driver reportedly exited and began firing a weapon, news agency Reuters reported. Police engaged in a shootout with the suspect, according to witness accounts reported by CBS News.
Eyewitness accounts and social media posts reveal a massive emergency response at the scene. Video footage and photographs show police cars, ambulances, and vehicles from the coroner’s office surrounding the intersection, as authorities work to assess the extent of the devastation.
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that the accused driver of the truck was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage he did”, according to BBC. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will now take over the case and initiate an investigation.
“Despite over 300 officers being present last night, the perpetrator was “intentional” and went around barricades,” she said.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear as investigations are underway. Thousands were said to have locked to celebrate the New Year at the nearby Bourbon Street.
Police have asked people to avoid travelling in the area for now as emergency teams manage the crisis.
-PTI
