Sugar Bowl postponed after 10 killed in New Orleans ‘carnage’ as driver runs into New Year crowd
The Sugar Bowl has been postponed after a driver in a truck killed at least 10 people and injured dozens more in New Orleans.
It was initially stated that one of college football's biggest and most historic games was still scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome, which is located just miles away from nearby Bourbon Street where the incident occurred on Wednesday morning.
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But Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley later said in a news conference that a College Football Playoff quarterfinal between the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) and No. 7 Notre Dame (12-1) would be delayed 24 hours.
New Orleans police commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was "hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did."
"It was very intentional behavior," Kirkpatrick said. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could."
The Superdome is also set to host the NFL's Super Bowl on February 9, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
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A barrier system designed to prevent vehicle attacks was undergoing repairs in preparation for the Super Bowl, according to .
"The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning," Hundley said in a statement.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
"We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available."
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The attack occurred on Wednesday morning in the French Quarter, following New Year's Eve events in the city.
Fans supporting Georgia and Notre Dame had added to the normal large crowds in a city that regularly hosts major sports events.
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The FBI said in a statement that it was heading an investigation.
"This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others," the FBI said in a statement.
"The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased.
"The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism."
Texas faces Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on Wednesday in Atlanta, while Ohio State and Oregon face off in the Rose Bowl in California.
The NFL's Saints have used the Superdome as their home venue since 1975.
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Kirkpatrick said that police officers will work to ensure fan safety at Wednesday night's Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
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