Mardi Gras crash suspect is named

AUTHORITIES have identified the man who allegedly ploughed into a crowd enjoying a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans while intoxicated.

The New Orleans police department identified the man as 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto.

The accident involving a pick-up truck came on Saturday during one of the busiest nights of Mardi Gras when thousands of people throng the streets of Mid-City to watch the elaborate floats.

Police chief Michael Harrison was asked if terrorism was suspected. While he did not say no, he did say it looked like a case of DWI (driving while intoxicated).

Twenty-one people were taken to hospital after the crash, but there were no fatalities.