Car plows into Louisiana parade, injuring 16

Five victims in critical condition after vehicle strikes Lao New Year celebration in New Iberia

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vehicle crashed into a crowd of people attending the Louisiana Lao New Year parade in New Iberia, leaving 16 people injured, 5 of them in critical condition. The incident occurred during the annual celebration of Lao culture and heritage in the community.

Why it matters

Parades and community events are meant to bring people together, so an incident like this that results in multiple injuries is deeply concerning. It raises questions about public safety measures at large gatherings and the need for better traffic control and crowd management protocols.

The details

According to authorities, the vehicle struck parade participants around 1:20 pm local time during the Lao New Year celebration in New Iberia. Five of the 16 injured victims were reported to be in critical condition and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but no arrests have been made at this time.

  • The incident occurred around 1:20 pm local time on April 5, 2026 during the Louisiana Lao New Year parade in New Iberia.

The players

Louisiana Lao New Year parade

An annual celebration of Lao culture and heritage held in the community of New Iberia, Louisiana.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities have stated they will continue investigating the cause of the crash and provide updates on the conditions of the injured victims.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at a community celebration highlights the need for enhanced safety measures and traffic control protocols at large public events to prevent such accidents and protect attendees. Local officials will likely review their parade planning and execution procedures to identify areas for improvement.