A 57-year-old man drove his vehicle into a crowd of parade participants in Broussard, Louisiana, on Saturday, injuring at least 15 people and hospitalizing 13. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Savannakhet Street and Melancon Road during the Louisiana Lao New Year Parade, part of a festival celebrating the Buddhist New Year.
Louisiana State Police arrested Todd Landry of Jeanerette following the crash. Landry showed signs of impairment and submitted to a breath test, revealing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.137g%, well above the legal limit. He faces charges of driving while impaired, 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, careless operation, and possession of an open container. Landry was booked into the Iberia Parish jail.
The Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office reported that 15 people were hurt in total, with Acadian Ambulance transporting 13 patients to hospitals, 11 by ground and two by air. Several victims suffered serious injuries, including at least four in critical condition. Deputies stated the crash did not appear intentional, and the sheriff's office is leading the investigation with assistance from state police.
The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival, held in the Broussard area about eight miles southwest of Lafayette, drew crowds for the parade when Landry's vehicle struck multiple pedestrians. Festival organizers expressed devastation in a statement, saying they were "profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds." They redirected all security to the scene, canceled Saturday evening music programs, and planned to limit Sunday activities to religious services if security could be restored.
No further updates on the victim's condition were available early Sunday. The investigation remains active, with authorities expected to release more details as they emerge.
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