Revellers celebrating the New Year were left running in terror as a SUV vehicle ploughed into a crowd in New Orleans. At least 10 people have died following the tragedy with around 30 injured.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville in the US city which famous for its many bars and clubs. The incident happened at 3.15am local time in New Orleans, Louisiana, with multiple people seen lying on the ground injured.
One witness described the scene as ‘horrific’ as a truck crashed into a crowd at speed before the driver got out and started firing a weapon. There have also been reports of people evacuated from hotels in the area close to the incident.
A spokesperson for New Orleans city said: “Mass Casualty Event on Canal and Bourbon Street. The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street.
“There are 30 injured patients that have been transported by NOEMS and 10 fatalities. Public safety partners are responding on scene. Updates will follow as they are received.”
Footage shows fleets of emergency service vehicles on Bourbon Street which has been closed and paramedics are on the scene currently. Images also show a scene of devastation with injured people lying on the ground and one clip appears to hear sounds of gunfire.
A New Orleans Police spokesperson told CBS New:s “initial reports show a car may have ploughed into a group of people. Injuries are unknown but there are reported fatalities.”
New Orleans authorities added: “There has been a mass casualty incident on Canal and Bourbon Street. Get yourself away from the area.”
Jim Mowrer said that he was on Bourbon Street with his wife at the time of the incident, The Mirror reports. He wrote on social media: “Was on bourbon street in New Orleans went my wife tonight about 20 minutes ago.
“SUV came down speeding and running people over. Mass casualty event, tried to first aid but most were dead. Estimate double digit deaths.”
A second witness said: “Yeah it was crazy. I was walking south on bourbon street, probably 75 yds away from canal st and I heard a loud noise. As I looked up I could see a truck crashing through the barricades.
“Right when I saw it I got ran into by several people, but I pushed them off and as I did the truck flew by me. I watched it speed by wondering if it was going to swerve and hit me and contemplating if I was going to have to jump out of the way.
“It sped by me and I watched it run into a crowd and then I saw people flying as it hit them. Everyone was running away, so I did as well, as I exited bourbon st onto canal, I could see at least two people seriously injured, unconscious and bloody. It was the most horrific thing I’ve ever seen.
Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, stated: “A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.”