Vehicle strikes Lao New Year parade in Louisiana, injuring over a dozen

Driver arrested and charged with impaired driving after incident at annual celebration in Broussard and New Iberia

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:40am

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Several people were injured when a vehicle struck revelers at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year on Saturday in rural Louisiana. The driver, a 57-year-old from Jeanerette, was quickly arrested and charged with impaired driving after testing positive for a high blood alcohol level. Around 15 people were hurt, some seriously, according to authorities.

Why it matters

The Lao New Year celebration is a major annual event for the Laotian community in Louisiana, drawing thousands of attendees. This incident has shaken the community and raised concerns about public safety at large community gatherings.

The details

Video shared on social media showed multiple people on the ground at the annual event in Broussard and New Iberia, with firefighters tending to one person trapped beneath the car, which wound up in a ditch along the parade route. Acadian Ambulance said it responded with 10 ambulances and a helicopter to aid the injured, with two patients airlifted.

  • The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2026 during the Lao New Year parade.
  • The driver was quickly arrested and charged at the scene.

The players

Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is leading the investigation.

Acadian Ambulance

The private ambulance company that dispatched multiple units and a helicopter to provide medical aid to the injured.

Lanxang Village

The Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia that hosts the annual Lao New Year celebration, which features Southeast Asian food, live music, a parade, and other family-friendly activities.

Wat Thammarattanaram

The Buddhist temple grounds near the Lanxang Village that are part of the Lao New Year celebration.

Jeff Landry

The Governor of Louisiana, who issued a statement offering prayers and gratitude to the first responders.

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What they’re saying

“Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act.”

— Rebecca Melancon, Spokesperson, Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office

“Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene.”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana

“We are profoundly saddened by this incident and are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.”

— Lanxang Village Organizers

What’s next

The driver, who is 57 and lived in Jeanerette, will face charges of impaired, negligent and careless driving, as well as having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at the Lao New Year celebration has shaken the local Laotian community and raised concerns about public safety at large community events. It highlights the need for increased safety measures and vigilance to prevent such accidents, as well as the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.