A drunk driver plowed through a crowd at a Louisiana cultural festival, sending 18 victims to the hospital in a terrifying Easter weekend crash that authorities say was not intentional.

Driver Arrested With Blood Alcohol Nearly Double Legal Limit

Todd Landry, 57, of Jeanerette, was arrested after his vehicle crashed into pedestrians gathered for the annual Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia on Saturday. Louisiana State Police officers found Landry showing clear signs of impairment at the scene near Savannakhet Street and Melancon Road. A breathalyzer test revealed his blood alcohol level measured 0.137 percent, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Two victims required airlift transport to trauma centers, according to Acadian Ambulance.

Authorities booked Landry into Iberia Parish jail on multiple charges, including driving while impaired, careless operation, open container violations, and 18 counts of first-degree negligent injuring. The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed investigators do not believe the crash was an intentional act. The driver remained in custody as of Sunday evening while victims recovered at area hospitals.

Major Cultural Celebration Cut Short

The crash disrupted the largest Lao New Year Festival in the United States, held annually in Lanexang Village since the 1980s. What began as a small block party for the area’s growing Lao community has expanded into a three-day Easter weekend celebration featuring traditional parades, music programs, and cultural events. Festival organizers immediately canceled Saturday evening’s planned concerts and music performances, while also suspending all alcohol sales for the remainder of the weekend.

Community Response And Official Statements

Festival organizers expressed their grief in a Facebook statement, saying they were profoundly saddened by the incident near the festival grounds and offering prayers for the victims and their families during this difficult time. Governor Jeff Landry acknowledged the tragedy on social media, stating that he and his wife, Sharon, were praying for all those affected while expressing gratitude for first responders who acted quickly at the scene. The incident serves as another reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving, particularly during large public gatherings where innocent families come together to celebrate cultural traditions.