At least 10 people were killed and 30 injured after a vehicle ran into a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a popular tourist district, on New Year’s Day.
The New Orleans emergency preparedness program, NOLA Ready, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
“The 8th District is currently working on a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients … and 10 fatalities,” the statement read.
The crash occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2025, during celebrations in the bustling neighborhood known for its bars, restaurants, and jazz history.
Witnesses told CBS News that a white truck crashed through a barricade at high speed. The driver reportedly exited the vehicle and began firing a weapon, prompting police to return fire.
“We were in the middle of the road and managed to run off the road onto the sidewalk and into the doorway of a building for cover. We did hear gunfire, saw police running,” witness Jim Mowrer recounted.
“Once the gunfire stopped, we stayed in the alcove until the gunfire stopped, came out into the street, and came across a lot of — several people who had been hit, (we) wanted to see what we could do to help,” he added. “People we came across were unfortunately deceased.”
Police cordoned off the area, including the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street, as investigators surrounded the vehicle involved in the attack.
The tragedy occurred as New Orleans prepared for another major event, the Sugar Bowl, a college football game featuring the University of Georgia and Notre Dame. The city had ramped up policing for New Year’s celebrations, with law enforcement operating at full capacity and an additional 300 officers deployed from partner agencies.
The French Quarter, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, was packed with revelers enjoying New Year’s specials, including LGBTQ parties and a drag cabaret near the site of the incident.
New Orleans remains one of the most heavily visited destinations in the United States. The devastating attack has cast a shadow over the city’s typically festive start to the year.
