At least 10 people were killed and 30 injured Wednesday, January 1, when a vehicle plowed overnight into a New Year's crowd in the heart of the thriving New Orleans tourist district, authorities in the southern US city said. Mayor LaToya Cantrell said it was a "terrorist attack."
"The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients... and 10 fatalities," NOLA Ready, the New Orleans emergency preparedness program, said in a statement.
Emergency authorities said the incident took place at approximately 3:15 am local time. At that hour, the area would been packed with revellers celebrating New Year in the French Quarter district, renowned for its bars, restaurants and jazz history. The driver tried to "run over as many people as he possibly could," Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said.
Police also said two officers were shot and injured in the attack. CBS News television reported witnesses saying a truck rammed into the crowd before its driver jumped out and started exchanging gunshots with police.
New Orleans is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the United States and the incident came shortly before the city hosts a major football game, known as the Sugar Bowl, featuring teams from the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame.
Policing was heavy over the New Year's, according to the city, as authorities braced for the crowds. The city police department had announced staffing at "100%, with an additional 300 officers assisting from partner law enforcement agencies," including on horseback and using unmarked units.
This is a developing story.