1-1-2025 (NEW ORLEANS) In a horrific start to 2025, at least ten people lost their lives and thirty others sustained injuries when a truck drove into crowds of New Year revellers in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The devastating incident unfolded at the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street, with NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness organisation, promptly declaring it a “mass casualty incident”. The popular tourist district was teeming with celebrants when tragedy struck.
Emergency services mounted a significant response, with casualties being distributed across five local hospitals. Medical personnel were mobilised to handle the influx of injured partygoers, though the full extent of injuries remains unclear.
According to eyewitness accounts reported by American broadcaster CBS News, the lorry barrelled into the crowd at considerable speed before the driver emerged from the vehicle and began discharging a firearm. Police officers at the scene reportedly returned fire, though authorities have yet to confirm these details.
One witness, speaking to CNN, described the harrowing scene of the vehicle “slamming into everyone” on the pavement, followed by the sound of gunfire. Another witness recounted the ensuing panic, describing how revellers fled to the rear of a nearby nightclub, which subsequently initiated lockdown procedures.
NOLA Ready issued urgent warnings via social media platforms, instructing people to evacuate the area immediately.
BREAKING
At least 10 people killed in New Orleans ramming, according to local reports.
The attacker opened fire after the ramming, and the police shot him. pic.twitter.com/R5z4brRubH
— Conflict Radar (@Conflict_Radar) January 1, 2025
