News Summary
A vehicle struck three pedestrians near the entrance of the New Orleans Jazz Festival on Thursday morning, prompting an investigation by the New Orleans Police Department. The incident occurred before the festival’s gates opened. Emergency crews transported the injured individuals to a local hospital. Eyewitnesses reported hearing squealing brakes and described the driver as staying on the scene following the collision. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been made as of yet. The incident raises concerns about pedestrian safety during large events.
New Orleans – Three pedestrians were struck by a vehicle near the entrance gates of the New Orleans Jazz Fest on Thursday morning, just before the festival opened for the second weekend. The incident occurred at approximately 10:24 a.m. at the intersection of Gentilly Boulevard and Lapeyrouse Street. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is investigating the incident, which has been categorized as an accident.
Emergency crews responded rapidly, transporting all three victims to a nearby hospital. As of now, the conditions of the injured individuals have not been made public. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene following the collision, and witnesses described the vehicle as a blue and white seafood box truck.
Eyewitnesses recounted the moments leading up to and following the accident. One witness reported hearing squealing brakes before witnessing two people lying on the ground and another standing nearby. Bystanders quickly came to assist the victims, and it was noted that all were eventually alert post-collision. Another observer mentioned that one of the injured individuals appeared to have blood on her face, highlighting the incident’s severity.
A total of three ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and responders were able to clear the area in roughly 15 minutes. However, officers remained present at the location until at least 11:30 a.m. to secure the scene and assist with the ongoing investigation.
It is important to note that the crash did not occur alongside the recently installed concrete barrier rails, which have been implemented to enhance safety during the festival. Despite these measures, the unfortunate incident raises concerns regarding pedestrian safety in the area, particularly during high-traffic events such as Jazz Fest, which officially opened its gates to locals at 11 a.m.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and as of now, no one has been taken into custody in relation to the case. Authorities continue to gather information to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision and whether any charges may be warranted.
The New Orleans Jazz Fest is a significant cultural event attracting thousands of attendees from across the region and beyond. This incident comes as festival-goers are encouraged to engage fully in the experience of music, food, and art that the event offers. While the festival continues, safety measures and awareness remain a priority for both organizers and attendees alike.
As the situation develops, updates on the victims’ conditions and the ongoing investigation are expected to be released by law enforcement and emergency services. The community is urged to stay informed and support those affected by this unfortunate event as they recover.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Three pedestrians hit by car near Jazz Fest
- FOX 8: 3 people struck by vehicle near Jazz Fest gates
- WBRZ: NOPD: 3 pedestrians struck by vehicle near Jazz Fest
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
