A tragic incident unfolded in New Orleans’ French Quarter on New Year’s Day, as a vehicle rammed into a crowd, leaving at least 10 dead and 30 injured. The area, known for its lively nightlife and rich jazz history, was packed with revelers celebrating the new year.
The New Orleans emergency preparedness agency, NOLA Ready, confirmed the devastating event in a statement on Wednesday:
“The 8th District is currently handling a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd at Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients and 10 fatalities.”
The crash occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2025. Witnesses reported that a white truck sped through a barricade before the driver exited and began firing a weapon. Police responded with gunfire.
“We were in the middle of the road and managed to run to the sidewalk and into a building doorway for cover. We heard gunfire and saw police running,” witness Jim Mowrer told CBS News.
“When the gunfire stopped, we came out and saw several people who had been hit. Sadly, some were deceased,” Mowrer added.
Authorities cordoned off the area, including the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, as investigators examined the scene.
The incident occurred just as New Orleans was gearing up for the Sugar Bowl, a major college football game between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame. Despite increased security measures for the New Year’s festivities, including 300 additional officers from partner agencies, the tragedy has left the city in shock.
The French Quarter, celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ parties and drag cabarets, was bustling with activity near the crash site. The attack has cast a somber tone over what is typically a joyous start to the year in one of the United States’ most popular tourist destinations.
