More than a dozen people have been taken to hospitals after a suspected drunk driver struck multiple parade participants celebrating the Lao New Year Saturday in New Iberia, Louisiana.
Acadian Ambulance, a local ambulance service, reported transporting 11 patients to the hospital by ambulance and two patients by medical helicopter.
The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said some of the injuries are believed to be serious.
The alleged driver, identified as Todd Landry, 57, of Jeanerette, was charged with driving while impaired, 18 counts of negligent injuring, careless operation and having an open container, according to a news release from the Louisiana State Police.
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Officials said he was showing signs of impairment at the time of his arrest and submitted a breath sample with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.137%, which is roughly 71% higher than the legal state limit of .08%
Video shared on social media appeared to show multiple people on the ground as firefighters attempted to rescue a person trapped underneath a vehicle in a ditch.
Ten ambulances and two helicopters responded to the accident, according to Acadian.
Based on a preliminary investigation, the sheriff’s office said the wreck did “not appear to be an intentional act.”
New Iberia is a small Cajun town located in southern Louisiana, about 30 minutes from Lafayette.
