New Orleans Bans Tandem Floats After Second Parade Death

City leaders in New Orleans reacted quickly to the news of a second death at a Mardi Gras Parade in the past three days. Saturday night a parade goer was struck and killed by a float in the Endymion Parade. Just days earlier another reveler was struck and killed by a float in the Nyx Parade. In both cases, tandem floats were involved.

As of Sunday, the city has banned the use of tandem floats in its Mardi Gras Parades. Although many close to the carnival celebrations in New Orleans seem to feel that the banning of tandem floats is not the answer to New Orleans Mardi Gras safety issue.

Many are calling for city leaders to meet with organizers of the city's Mardi Gras Krewes to discuss safety in and around the parade routes. The subject of barricades and stronger enforcement of rules already in place are likely to be discussed should that meeting come about.

City officials are also addressing concerns involving float riders. Sunday two riders fell off two different floats in the Krewe of Toth Parade. Both of those individuals are reported to be in stable condition at a New Orleans area hospital.

New Orleans Police are also investigating an incident in which two people fell from a balcony during a parade in the Uptown area of New Orleans. Those people were taken to a local hospital where they are reported to be in stable condition as well.