Updated 22:10
28 people were injured after a pickup truck ploughed into crowds at a Mardi Gras parade.
The incident happened shortly before 7pm Saturday evening, local time. Police have arrested a man on suspicion of drink-driving.
Neilson Rizzuto, 25-years-old has been charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular negligence resulting in injury, and one count each of reckless operation and hit-and-run driving.
He may face more charges, according to police.
Mr Rizzuto had a blood-alcohol level of .232%, police said on Sunday evening - almost three times over the legal limit.
Emergency services say some of those hurt could be as young as three. It is not being treated as a terrorist incident.
At an official press conference, Police Chief Michael Harrison said 21 people had been hospitalized after the crash with five victims said to be in a serious condition. Seven of those injured declined to go to the hospital.
Harrison said at the conference "We send a strong message about not drinking and driving, and about making smart decisions."
Kourtney McKinnis told the New Orleans Advocate that the driver seemed almost unaware of what he had done in the aftermath of the crash "He was just kind of out of it," the 20-year-old said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims injured by a drunk driver on the parade route today. pic.twitter.com/EvKEpGZ7aL
— Mitch Landrieu (@MayorLandrieu) February 26, 2017
According to the Police Chief the age of the victims ranged from approximately three to four year old children who are in a stable condition in hospital to people in their 30s or 40s.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu told reporters that it was very hard to protect against somebody who was very intoxicated ploughing through a crowd but he said barriers had now been put in place.
The incident scene is clear and our Sanitation Crews have begun cleaning the parade route. pic.twitter.com/q2SRbIDVYv
— Mitch Landrieu (@MayorLandrieu) February 26, 2017
