10 people were killed and dozens injured when a driver rammed a vehicle into crowds on the famed Bourbon Street in New Orleans before reportedly jumping out and opening fire — just hours after the city rang in the New Year, according to officials and multiple reports.
The mass casualty incident unfolded at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets in the French Quarter neighborhood around 3:15 a.m. — close to where revelers had gathered to watch the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, city officials said
Ten people were dead and at least 30 others were hospitalized in the wake of the ordeal, according to NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness agency.
Additional details about the incident, including the extent of injuries, weren’t immediately known
Multiple witnesses told CBS News that the driver jumped out of the vehicle and immediately started shooting after plowing into the large crowd.
Police fired back at the suspect, the outlet reported, citing witness accounts
Unverified videos circulating on social media purportedly showed scores of bodies lining the street as gunshots rang out.
Several EMS and coroner vehicles could be seen in the aftermath.
The injured were rushed to five nearby hospitals, including University Medical Center, Touro Hospital and East Jefferson General Hospital, officials said
“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said in a statement.
“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.”
Police are expected to provide an official update on the incident in the morning.
Bourbon Street is well known for its bars, strip clubs and nightlife.
Large crowds were expected in NOLA as revelers were in town for New Year’s celebrations and the College Football Playoff Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame at the Caesar’s Superdome.
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