Tragedy Strikes New Orleans on New Year’s Eve as Vehicle Plows into Crowd

A horrific incident in New Orleans has left at least 10 people dead and many more injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve in the iconic French Quarter. The tragic event occurred around 3 a.m. local time, turning what should have been a night of joy and celebration into chaos and sorrow.

It is believed that at least 10 have been killed in the incident (CBS News)

Details of the Incident

The vehicle reportedly crashed into a crowd at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets—one of the city’s busiest areas, filled with tourists and locals enjoying the festivities. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where a truck barreled through barricades before the driver allegedly exited the vehicle with a weapon. Gunfire was also reported shortly after the collision, compounding the panic.

According to the New Orleans Police Department, the incident is being treated as a mass casualty event. So far, at least 10 fatalities have been confirmed, with over 30 injured. Victims have been rushed to multiple area hospitals, including University Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Centers, as emergency responders worked to stabilize the situation.

Eyewitness Accounts

Jim and Nicole Mowrer, tourists visiting the city, were near the site of the crash. They described the truck smashing through a barricade before chaos ensued:
“We heard gunfire and saw police running toward the area. After the gunfire stopped, we stepped out and came across several people who had been hit.”

Videos circulating online show first responders tending to victims sprawled on the ground as the streets were cordoned off to secure the area.

🚨 Police confirm 10 dead, 30 injured in New Orleans mass casualty event—according to eyewitnesses, the driver plowed into a crowd celebrating the New Year, got out of the vehicle, then opened fire. Police fired back. pic.twitter.com/vIkbTwowf1

— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) January 1, 2025

Official Statements

New Orleans Mayor and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have expressed their condolences and called for calm:
Governor Jeff Landry tweeted:
“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and me in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge everyone to avoid the area.”

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.

— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025

The City of New Orleans also released a statement confirming that public safety teams are actively working the scene, asking the public to steer clear of the area during the ongoing investigation.

Medical Response and Investigation

Victims are being treated at five local hospitals, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Authorities are still working to confirm the identities of the deceased and notify their families.

Police have not yet disclosed whether the driver has been apprehended or identified but have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Officials are examining security footage and gathering eyewitness accounts to piece together the sequence of events.

A Community in Mourning

The French Quarter, known for its vibrant culture and nightlife, has been a hub of celebration for locals and visitors alike. The tragedy has cast a pall over New Orleans, with residents and tourists expressing shock and grief over the senseless act of violence.

Bourbon Street is likely to have been busy with tourists and locals (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Social media is awash with messages of support for the victims and their families, while many are calling for swift justice. The incident has reignited discussions about public safety and the security measures in place for large-scale events in the city.

Next Steps

The New Orleans Police Department continues to investigate the motive behind this devastating act. Updates are expected as more details emerge. Meanwhile, local officials and community leaders are focusing on supporting the victims and their families while ensuring public safety in the aftermath of the tragedy.

This incident marks a somber start to the new year, as the city grapples with the aftermath of an unthinkable act of violence.

Featured image credit: CBS News, AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images