New Orleans accident: Driver 'intentionally struck crowd, opened fire': 10 horrifying details about the attack

A man drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd of New Year revellers in New Orleans on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 35. Officials said the man was "hellbent on creating carnage".

According to police, the incident took place at around 3:15am (0915 GMT) in the heart of the city's famous French Quarter, which was packed with people celebrating the arrival of 2025, reported news agency AFP. Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the incident as a “terrorist attack", offering prayers for the victims and first responders. But an assistant FBI agent in charge declared that is was "not a terrorist event.”

ALSO READ: New Orleans crash horror: Witnesses share horrifying accounts of New Year's day incident, one says 'a body came flying at me'

Here are 10 points you need to know about New Orleans crash:

-Police confirmed the truck’s collision with the crowd was deliberate, calling it a “mass casualty incident.” Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick revealed the driver displayed “very intentional behaviour,” aiming to strike as many individuals as possible.

- Anne Kirkpatrick told news outlets "this man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could". "He was hell bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," he added.

-According to cops, the driver's behaviour was "very intentional". Police described the event as deliberate and coordinated, with investigations underway to uncover the driver’s motive.

-Investigators have found a suspected improvised explosive device at the scene of a deadly truck ramming in New Orleans, the FBI said Wednesday, according to AFP.

-Witnesses and officials stated the attacker exited the truck and began firing a weapon. Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New Orleans field office, said officials were investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene, according to AP.

-Witnesses also reported that the driver fired on police officers while still inside the vehicle, injuring two officers, who are now in stable condition. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, tending to the wounded and cordoning off the area.

-Ten people were killed, and 30 others sustained injuries. The injured were transported to five local hospitals, including University Medical Center and East Jefferson General Hospital.

-Officials did not immediately provide an update on the status of the driver, whether there was an ongoing threat to the public or offer a suspected motive in the fatal incident.

-The suspect was not immediately taken into custody, and authorities are actively investigating the motive and circumstances of the attack.

-The White House said President Joe Biden has been briefed on the crash horror.

ALSO READ: At least 10 dead after truck crashes into New Orleans crowd

New Orleans is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the United States and the incident came shortly before the city hosts a major football game, known as the Sugar Bowl, featuring teams from the University of Georgia and Notre Dame.

Policing was heavy over the New Year's, according to the city, as authorities braced for big crowds. The city police department had announced staffing at "100 percent, with an additional 300 officers assisting from partner law enforcement agencies," including on horseback and using unmarked units.

The iconic French Quarter listed special deals for New Year's, including LGBTQ parties and a drag cabaret nearby where the incident took place.

(With inputs from agencies)