Overview
- The crash, which happened Saturday during a Lao New Year parade in New Iberia near Savannakhet Street and Melancon Road, injured at least 15 people with several in critical condition and officials later reported 19 treated at hospitals.
- Louisiana State Police identified the driver as Todd Landry, 57, of Jeanerette, who registered a 0.137 blood alcohol level and was booked on driving while impaired, 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring, careless operation, and open container.
- Investigators say the incident does not appear intentional as the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office leads the case and state police ask the public to share photos or video to help reconstruct what happened.
- Acadian Ambulance sent 10 ambulances and two helicopters, transporting 11 patients by ground and two by air to Lafayette hospitals as families and bystanders gave first aid at the parade route.
- Festival organizers canceled Saturday night concerts and alcohol sales and said Sunday would be limited to religious services if security returned at the Lanexang Village temple that hosts the annual Lao New Year celebration.