At least 15 people were injured when a car driven by a reportedly impaired motorist plowed into a crowd during Louisiana’s Lao New Year Parade in New Iberia on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
What happened at the parade
- The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Savannakhet and Melancon Road, as pedestrians were walking in the celebration; witnesses described the driver inching closer to the parade while revving the engine before suddenly accelerating into the crowd. [web]
- Multiple bystanders were seen lying on the ground in footage, with onlookers rushing to help the injured; Acadian Ambulance transported 13 people to the hospital, two of whom were airlifted.
Driver’s condition and charges
- The driver, 57‑year‑old Todd Landry, tested at a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.137%, well above Louisiana’s legal limit of 0.08%, and was arrested at the scene.
- He faces charges including driving while impaired, 18 counts of first‑degree negligent injuring, careless operation, and open‑container violations, with authorities stressing that the incident does not appear to have been intentional.
Event response and ongoing investigation
- The Lao New Year Parade organizers canceled Saturday night’s music programs and redirected security to the crash site; they said they will reopen the festival’s religious services and vendor area on Sunday if security is restored.
- The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and Louisiana State Police are asking anyone with photos, video, or other information to contact them via their online report form or the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1‑800‑434‑8007.
