Feb. 26 (UPI) — Police in New Orleans said at least 28 people were injured when a pickup truck struck two other vehicles and ran into a crowd at the Endymion parade in New Orleans.
Police Chief Michael Harrison said a suspect who appeared to be highly intoxicated crashed the pickup truck into two cars about 6:45 p.m. Saturday before plowing into the crowd, causing injuries to at least 28 people, five of which were reported to be seriously injured.
EMS Director Jeffrey Elder said none of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
The pickup truck came to rest when it struck a large dump truck, police said.
A total 21 people, ages ranging from 3 to their 40s, were hospitalized with injuries, including a female police officer. Seven people declined transportation to a local hospital.
The parade paused for about 10 minutes after the crash.
The driver, who police did not identify, was taken into custody at the scene. Harrison told WDSU-TV the driver appeared to be “highly intoxicated.”
Witnesses reported the man was visibly inebriated.
“He just looked young. Way to be young to be drinking like that,” witness Greg McNeely told the New Orleans Advocate. “He looked blasted.”
Harrison said he and Mayor Mitch Landrieu had been to visit the injured female officer.
“She was in good spirits but is injured,” Harrison said.
The Endymion parade is one of New Orleans’ most popular, and family friendly, events in the lead-up to Tuesday’s Mardi Gras celebrations. It is common for parents to bring their children to watch the parade, which has a budget of $7 million and features 81 floats with a total 3,200 riders.
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