At least ten people died and 30 sustained injuries after a vehicle drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans‘ French Quarter early Wednesday morning, AFP reported citing city authorities.
Witnesses reported that a truck sped into a crowd before the driver exited the vehicle and began firing a weapon, prompting police to return fire.
New Orleans’ emergency preparedness agency had previously issued a warning about a potential incident in the French Quarter, advising people to avoid the area.
“Initial reports show a car may have plowed into a group of people. Injuries are unknown but there are reported fatalities,” a police department spokesperson said, as quoted by CBS news.
The incident occurred during the early hours of New Year’s Day, a time when the popular tourist area would typically be bustling with activity.