At least 10 people have died after a vehicle drove into a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
New Orleans’ emergency preparedness agency, NOLA, has confirmed they are dealing with a mass casualty incident after the car ploughed into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year in the Bourbon Street area, killing 10 and injuring at least 30 others.
Authorities have warned people to stay away from the area in the wake of the incident, which took place at about 3am local time.
“The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street,” NOLA said.
“Public safety partners are responding on scene.”
In a post on Twitter, the emergency preparedness department added: “There has been a mass casualty incident on Canal and Bourbon Street. Get yourself away from the area.”
Speaking to CBS News, witnesses claimed a truck crashed into the crowd at high speed before a driver got out of the car and started firing a weapon, prompting police to return fire. In footage shared online in the wake of the crash, gunfire can be heard in the background as members of the public run from the area.
CBS News reporter Kati Weis saw multiple people on the ground being treated for injuries in the wake of the crash.
Injured members of the public have also been transported to hospital, with public safety partners now on the scene.
