According to media reports, an American citizen deliberately drove a pick-up truck into a crowd of people celebrating New Year in New Orleans. The incident took place at 3am local time on historic ‘Bourbon Street’ in the city’s popular French Quarter area.
The 42-year-old suspect died on the spot while two police officers were also reportedly injured in the police firing. The possibility of the slain attacker having links with the extremists of the terrorist group ISIL is being investigated.
Flags of terrorist groups were displayed on pick-up trucks and explosives were also found in rental cars and nearby areas.
UN spokeswoman Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez said the statement issued by the secretary-general strongly condemned the attack in New Orleans.
In the attack, “a driver targeted a crowd gathered to celebrate the New Year, killing at least 15 and injuring 30,” it said.
The UN chief expressed his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, the government of the state of Louisiana and the people of the United States of America.
Meanwhile, a deadly explosion in a car was also reported in the American city of Las Vegas on Wednesday and the link between the two incidents is being investigated.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day, killing the driver and injuring seven others, according to reports.