At least 10 people were killed when a vehicle rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, local media 4WWL reported citing police. The vehicle was described in The Mirror as a pick-up truck.
As many as 30 people have been wounded in the ramming, according to multiple media reports. The Independent reported those wounded are currently receiving treatment at the University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus and Ochsner Baptist Campus.
Without numbering the casualties, CBS News spoke with a witness who claimed the driver left the vehicle and began firing a weapon. Police reportedly returned the fire.
The ramming came during the early hours of New Year’s day, local time, with reports indicating the streets were filled with party revellers enjoying the festivities.
The City of NOLA’s emergency preparedness campaign warned of a mass casualty event and advised people stay away from the area.
“The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street,” NOLA said. “Public safety partners are responding on scene.”
Witness Whit Davis, 22, told CNN he was leaving a club when the ramming occurred but was forced into lockdown as a security measure.
“Everyone started yelling and screaming and running to the back, and then we basically went into lockdown for a little bit and then it calmed down but they wouldn’t let us leave,” Davis said. “When they finally let us out of the club, police waved us where to walk and were telling us to get out of the area fast. I saw a few dead bodies they couldn’t even cover up and tons of people receiving first aid.”
Police statements
A New Orleans Police Department spokesperson told CBS News “Initial reports show a car may have plowed into a group of people. Injuries are unknown but there are reported fatalities.”
“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,” local Governor Jeff Landry wrote on X/Twitter. “I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.”
Bourbon Street is known for its vibrant nightlife, the New York Post reported.
Last week, five people were killed and hundreds wounded when a vehicle rammed into a Christmas market in Germany.
This is a developing story.
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