New Orleans woke up to a shock on Wednesday morning. A pickup truck had plowed into New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring many more. The festive atmosphere was instantly replaced with horror and disbelief. Ken Williams, a local chef, summed it up: "We're all numb. "

The city's heart was hit hard. Bourbon Street, known for its wild nightlife, was blocked off as authorities investigated. The driver, a US military veteran, left a trail of devastation that shook the city's core.

Dwayne Perkins, 22, saw the truck speed down the pedestrian-only street, leaving destruction in its wake. He criticized the police for not preventing the vehicle from entering the street. "If the cops were doing their jobs, this wouldn't have happened, " he said.

New Year's Eve was especially crowded due to the Sugar Bowl football game, now postponed to the next night. Tens of thousands of fans had filled the French Quarter, but the joy was short-lived.

Jill Davenport, a Sugar Bowl ticketholder, decided not to walk into the French Quarter at 1:00 AM, a decision she later thanked her lucky stars for. "It feels like these tragedies happen more frequently, " she said, concerned about the economic impact on local businesses.

Businesses suffered. Street musicians reported a drop in crowds. One musician worried, "We should be making money. This has never happened in New Orleans. "

The city now faces a tough question: how to ensure safety at future events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. Ken Williams believes a security boost is crucial. "Too many people's lives are at stake, " he said.

New Orleans Faces New Year's Tragedy: A Call for Change

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