Driver arrested after float flips

Several injuries reported in Church Point

Shay Randle • grandle@theadvertiser.com • February 23, 2009.

CHURCH POINT -Several people were injured in Church Point Sunday afternoon after an alleged drunk driver pulling a Mardi Gras float lost control of it and caused it to overturn into a ditch.

Louisiana State Police are investigating the incident, which happened some time before 4:30 p.m. - after the Mardi Gras parade - on La. 35, just south of Church Point.

The driver, 55-year-old James Young, was booked into the Acadia Parish jail for allegedly causing the incident.

Young faces charges of DWI second offense, driving under suspension, careless operation, fail to secure safety chains and seven counts of vehicular negligent injuring.

Investigators say the man lost of control of the 1985 Ford pickup truck that was pulling the float and caused the trailer to unhitch from the truck.

That's when the trailer overturned and injured those riding in it.

Floats are required to have at least two chains securing the trailer to the leading vehicle, according to police.

Five Acadian Ambulance units and an AirMed helicopter reported to the scene and transported eight people to local hospitals following the incident.

Two people were transported for moderate injuries, while six others were transported for minor to moderate injuries.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

State police are still investigating the crash.