Second Person Fatally Struck By Mardi Gras Parade Float in New Orleans

New Orleans Lets The Good Times Roll At Mardi Gras Celebration

For the second time in a week, a person was struck and killed by a Mardi Gras float during a parade in New Orleans, just days before Fat Tuesday.

According to the city's emergency preparedness agency, NOLA Ready, the Endymion parade was cancelled following the accident. The agency added that tandem floats, that is, multiple floats that are connected and pulled by a single tractor, would no longer be allowed for the remainder of the Mardi Gras season, however, officials did not say whether the person killed had been struck by a tandem float.

Saturday's death marks the second such fatal accident in less than a week. On Wednesday, a 58-year-old woman was killed during the Krewe of Nyx parade when she attempted to cross between two parts of a tandem float. Authorities say the woman tripped on a hitch and was run over by the float.

At least thirteen floats had already gone ahead during the Endymion parade on Saturday before the fatal accident. The remaining floats and marching groups were diverted from the accident site on Canal Street, WDSU reported. A post-parade music celebration at the Convention Center, was allowed to continue without interruption.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell tweeted that the city would "grieve together" with the family following the tragic accident.

"To be confronted with such tragedy a second time at the height of our Carnival celebrations seems an unimaginable burden to bear," Cantrell wrote on Twitter. "The City and the people of New Orleans will come together, we will grieve together, and we will persevere together."

The city of New Orleans has been celebrating with parades and parties in the run up to Mardi Gras, which is happening Feb. 25.

Photo: Getty Images


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