A festive New Year’s Eve celebration in New Orleans turned into a scene of horror early Wednesday morning, when a pickup truck crashed into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street. The tragedy, which left at least 10 dead and 30 others injured, is now being investigated by both local authorities and the FBI.
The incident occurred at around 3:15 AM, as the city’s iconic Bourbon Street was still filled with revelers celebrating the arrival of the new year. Eyewitnesses described a white pickup truck barreling through barricades before striking a group of pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Kevin Garcia, 22, who witnessed the crash, recalled the terrifying moment, saying, “All I saw was a truck slamming into everyone on the left side of the sidewalk. A body came flying at me.” He also mentioned hearing gunshots shortly after the crash.
Witnesses reported that the driver exited the vehicle and began a confrontation with law enforcement. “We heard gunfire, saw police running that direction,” said Nicole Mowrer, who was with her husband when the incident occurred. The couple sought shelter in a nearby alcove until the shooting stopped, after which they saw multiple injured victims.
As the situation escalated, police quickly took control of the area, urging everyone to leave immediately. Whit Davis, 22, a witness from Shreveport, Louisiana, described seeing several bodies that couldn’t be covered and many people receiving first aid.
By morning, the extent of the devastation became clear. New Orleans Police confirmed the mass casualty event, with the injured taken to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the attack was intentional, but Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that the driver appeared to be “hellbent on creating carnage and damage” with his actions.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind this horrific act.
