New Orleans authorities are responding to a "mass casualty incident" in which at least 10 people have died and 30 have been injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd in the city's bustling Bourbon Street area during the early hours of New Year's Day.
A spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department confirmed initial reports suggesting that a car had plowed into pedestrians, resulting in multiple injuries and possible fatalities. Local emergency response agency NOLA Ready issued a warning via social media, describing the event as a "mass casualty incident" and urging residents and visitors to avoid the area near Canal and Bourbon Streets.
Witness accounts shared with CBS suggest that after hitting the crowd, the vehicle's driver reportedly began firing a weapon, leading to an exchange of gunfire with police. However, law enforcement has not yet confirmed these details. On-the-scene footage showed several injured individuals being attended to by emergency services.
As investigations unfold, details remain scarce. The incident has cast a somber shadow over New Year's celebrations in one of the United States' most vibrant and visited cities. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the scene as they work to secure the area and gather information.
Newsweek is providing live updates to this story as new information comes in.
07:02 AM EST
Police to give press conference on New Orleans attack
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) are set to give a press conference at the 8th district station to provide a more complete picture of the current situation.
There are reports that after ramming the crowd, the suspected driver exited the vehicle and began firing a weapon before police returned fire at the suspect.
06:56 AM EST
Bourbon Street videos capture chaos after driver plows into crowd
Ambulances are still arriving on the scene on Bourbon Street after a driver plowed into a crowd of New Year's Eve revellers in New Orleans. Footage shared by WGNO-TV News reporter LBJ shows several emergency response vehicles on the scene.
06:39 AM EST
At least 10 dead in Bourbon Street in "mass casualty event"
The City of New Orleans confirms 10 dead and 30 injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
The statement from NOLA Ready:
"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."
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