New Orleans Car Attack Eyewitnesses Describe a Scene of Horror: New Orleans Truck Attack

Eyewitnesses to the deadly car attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day have recounted harrowing scenes that unfolded on a busy street, with one witness comparing it to a movie.

Eyewitness Accounts

Jimmy Cothran, speaking to NBC, described the chaos:

“It was unbelievable, it could only be referenced to a movie.”

The attack, which claimed at least 10 lives, is being investigated as a terrorist incident by the FBI. The suspect is confirmed dead.

Having heard gunshots and commotion, Mr. Cothran sought shelter in a nightclub.

“Within a couple of minutes, a group of frantic females ran inside, pushing past security and hiding under tables,” he recounted.

From the balcony of the club, he witnessed a devastating scene:

“We counted eight bodies… After they were mowed over, nobody was helping these people. They wouldn’t let us out.”

Mr. Cothran also observed tyre marks on one of the victims’ bodies.

The Attack

Witnesses described the vehicle, a pick-up truck, barreling down Bourbon Street at an estimated 70 mph. The truck broke through inadequate barricades and struck numerous pedestrians.

Kevin Garcia, speaking to CNN, recalled seeing the truck slam into people on the sidewalk and hearing gunshots.

“A body came flying at me,” he said.

Whit Davis recounted the aftermath as he left a nightclub:

“Police waved us where to walk and told us to get out of the area fast. I saw a few dead bodies they couldn’t even cover and tons of people receiving first aid.”

A Narrow Escape

Alex Birth-Mitchell, celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends, expressed gratitude for narrowly avoiding the attack.

“If we would have been waiting outside, we would be dead, maybe.”

Aftermath and Investigation

Videos from the scene show the devastating impact of the attack, with bodies and debris scattered across the area. Police quickly responded, pursuing the suspect, who was eventually apprehended and later confirmed deceased.

The attack has left the New Orleans community and visitors in shock, raising questions about security measures in high-traffic areas and the motive behind such a horrific act.