A vehicle plowed into a crowd of parade-goers at a Lao New Year celebration in Louisiana, injuring over a dozen people, according to local sheriff's officials. The crash occurred as attendees gathered for the cultural event, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to treat the injured.

Authorities identified the driver as a suspect in a drunk driving incident, and an arrest was made in connection with the crash. The extent of injuries among the victims varied, with some requiring hospital treatment. Officials did not immediately release the total number of those hospitalized.

The Lao New Year, also known as Bun Pi Mai, is an important cultural celebration for the Lao community and is observed by communities across the United States. The Louisiana event drew a crowd of festivalgoers before the crash disrupted the celebration.

Local law enforcement confirmed the investigation is ongoing. No fatalities were reported in initial accounts from the sheriff's office. The incident follows a series of vehicle-ramming events at public gatherings in recent years that have prompted discussions about crowd safety measures at parades and festivals nationwide.