2 dead, 3 critical, 3 others injured after car plows into bicyclists in New Orleans

A vehicle plowed into several bicyclists over a three-block area of Esplanade Avenue leaving two people dead, three more critical and three others injured.

Five of the injured people have been taken to University Medical Center. A sixth injured person refused treatment.

Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said that in addition to EMS and police, several bystanders rendered aid. Ferguson also said that it was unsure if all of the victims were bicyclists, but that at least five to six of the victims were biking in a pack.

The suspect is in custody and is undergoing tests to determine his condition. The NOPD also said that surveillance video of the incident was also being examined.

“We do not believe at this time that this has anything to do with the Endymion parade,” said Ferguson.

According to the NOPD said they were alerted to a call shortly after 8 p.m. in the 2900 block of Esplanade and when officers responded they realized there was a bigger scene.

Ferguson said that citizens also called to report a vehicle accident and thought they were rendering aid to the victim of a single-car crash, but soon it was apparent that he was the person responsible for the crash.

Ferguson said the age range of the victims was not yet known.