Police have said they are facing a mass casualty incident after a car allegedly drove into a group of people on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
It is likely that the area was filled with locals and tourists celebrating the new year when the incident occurred.
It is believed that at least 10 have been killed in the incident (CBS News)
In a statement online, the City of New Orleans said: “The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street.
“Public safety partners are responding on scene. Updates will follow as they are received.”
Meanwhile, a New Orleans Police Department spokesperson told CBS News that ‘initial reports show a car may have plowed into a group of people. Injuries are unknown but there are reported fatalities’.
Speaking to CBS News, witnesses have claimed that a truck ploughed into a crowd before the driver left the vehicle with a weapon.
Gunfire was then reported to have been heard from the scene.
“Once it was past us, we did hear gunfire, saw police running that direction.
“Once the gunfire stopped, we stayed in the alcove until the gunfire stopped, came out into the street, and came across a lot of – several people who had been hit, [we] wanted to see what we could do to help.”
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry has also spoken about the incident, writing on X: “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.
“I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.”
Bourbon Street is likely to have been busy with tourists and locals (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
It is believed that at least 10 people have died in the incident, but the total number of fatalities is currently unknown. Meanwhile, at least 30 have been injured.
Videos circulating on social media appear to see multiple victims being treated for their injuries on the ground, meanwhile, others have been transported to five local hospitals – University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus and Ochsner Baptist Campus.
Authorities are now warning people to stay away from the area while investigations are carried out.
