Fifteen people have been killed and 30 injured after a driver deliberately rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, United States of America, according to city officials.
The injured, including two police officers who were shot by the suspect, have been transported to hospitals.
The incident occurred on Bourbon Street, a popular nightlife and tourist hub in the city’s French Quarter, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of how people fled and sought shelter amid the violence.
Whit Davis, a witness from Shreveport, Louisiana, recounted being trapped in a bar during the attack and later walking past “dead and injured bodies all over the street.”
This tragedy comes as New Orleans prepares to host the Sugar Bowl college football game, a sold-out event marking New Year’s Day.
The city, celebrated for its vibrant culture and annual Mardi Gras carnival, has also faced challenges, including a population decline and the lasting impact of Hurricane Katrina nearly 20 years ago.
