An SUV has ploughed into revellers celebrating New Year in New Orleans, killing 10 people and injuring at least 35 others in what the mayor called a terrorist attack. The incident took place at the intersection of Bourbon Street, famous for its many bars and clubs, and Iberville around 3:15 am local time in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed the incident was a “terrorist attack” and urged people to stay clear of Bourbon Street and eight blocks around it, stating that it was a very active scene with a unified command in place.
Driver’s Intentional Carnage
Police reports indicated that the driver of the vehicle got out and fired at officers after the crash, injuring two of them. Chief Anne Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans police described the driver as being “hellbent” on causing “carnage,” emphasizing that the driver had gone at a high speed and attempted to hit as many people as possible. Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, mentioned that officials were investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.
Eye Witness Accounts
Jim Mowrer, a US Army vet who was on Bourbon Street with his wife at the time of the incident, recounted seeing an SUV “speeding” down the road and “running people over.” He described the chaos as a mass casualty event, where he attempted to provide first aid but noted that most individuals were already deceased. Another witness shared on social media their horror at witnessing the vehicle crashing through barricades and injuring people.
Emotional Impact on Witnesses
A witness described the scene as the “most horrific thing I’ve ever seen,” recounting bodies on the ground after the vehicle struck them. They shared their experience of narrowly avoiding being hit by the speeding vehicle and witnessing people being injured and bloody. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his shock at the violence that took place on Bourbon Street, urging prayers for the victims and first responders on the scene.
The tragic incident left many in shock, especially as thousands of people had gathered in the area for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The festive mood of the evening quickly turned to one of horror and chaos as emergency services responded to the mass casualty event. Despite the city’s high hotel occupancy rates and the influx of college football fans, the night ended in tragedy with multiple fatalities and injuries.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community mourns the loss of life and the impact of the senseless violence that marred what should have been a joyous occasion. The city of New Orleans now faces the difficult task of coming to terms with the aftermath of this devastating event and providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
