More than 20 people have been rushed to hospital after a driver slammed into a crowd during a Buddhist parade in Louisiana. 

The incident unfolded around 2:40pm Saturday during the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia. 

The Acadian Ambulance service said on X that at least four victims were in critical condition, and two patients were taken to hospital via helicopter.  

The number of victims is not yet clear, with first responders telling KADN that the total is more than 20 people. 

The outlet described the perpetrator as an ‘alleged drunk driver’. 

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said it had the driver in custody, and said that based on its preliminary investigation the crash did not appear to be an intentional act. 

The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival is a Buddhist celebration which honors the Lao culture. 

At least 13 people have been raced to hospital after a driver slammed into a crowd during a the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia around 2:40pm Saturday