New Orleans Parade Crash: 28 Injured When Suspected Drunk Driver Plows Into Crowd

NEW ORLEANS, LA — At least 28 people were injured when a suspected drunk driver drove into a crowd of pedestrians at the Krewe of Endymion parade in New Orleans Saturday night.

The incident happened just before 7 p.m. when a Chevrolet pick up truck struck two vehicles before he lost control, struck a city dump truck and then hit multiple pedestrians, police said. Officers from New Orleans police and state troopers responded to the scene.

All 28 pedestrians who were injured were taken to various hospitals and at least five are being treated in trauma centers.

The allegedly drunk driver was apprehended at the scene. He was identified by police as 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto. He was booked and charged with two counts of first degree vehicular negligent injuring, hit-and-run driving and reckless operation.

The crash happened during the final weekend of Carnival and during one of the city's biggest parades, according to NOLA.com. The parade apparently stopped for about 10 minutes when the crash occurred.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement. "We are grateful that none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. I want to thank all of our emergency personnel for responding quickly, aiding the injured, and apprehending the drunk driver."

The investigation is ongoing.

Image Credit: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu