Authorities in New Orleans reported that 10 people lost their lives, and 30 others were injured when a vehicle drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The incident occurred as the southern US city was celebrating the New Year.

New Orleans authorities announced on Wednesday that 10 people had died and 30 others were injured in what was described as a "mass casualty incident" involving a vehicle that plowed into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street.

"There are 30 injured patients that have been transported by [New Orleans Emergency Medical Services] and 10 fatalities," the city's public alert system confirmed.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell addressed reporters, stating that she had been in contact with the White House about the incident. She initially described it as a "terrorist attack," but an FBI investigator later appeared to contradict this characterization.

New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick reported that the suspect fired at police officers from his vehicle, a pickup truck, injuring two officers.

"Two of our officers have been shot. They are stable, and we will give you an update on them," Kirkpatrick said. She urged residents and visitors to avoid Bourbon Street, saying, "We do not want anyone on Bourbon Street today."

Kirkpatrick also announced that the FBI would take over the investigation "because of the nature and indices that we have on the scene."

FBI Special Agent Althea Duncan stated that "improvised explosive devices" were discovered at the scene. Investigators are working to determine if the devices were viable and related to the attack.

The incident occurred on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. local time. The street is a well-known tourist and social hub in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a city with a population of approximately 360,000 in Louisiana.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the "horrific act of violence" and called on others to join him and his wife in prayers for the victims and their families. He also urged people to stay clear of the affected area, echoing the police’s request.

This tragedy comes not long after a similar incident in Magdeburg, Germany, where a vehicle attack at a Christmas market killed five people and injured more than 200 shortly before Christmas, drawing global attention.