Authorities in New Orleans have given the green light for sanitation crews to start the cleanup process on Bourbon Street following the devastating events that unfolded during the New Year's Eve celebrations. A pickup truck plowed through a crowd on the iconic street, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and leaving numerous others injured.
Sidney Torres, the owner of IV Waste Solutions, shared insights on the cleanup efforts, highlighting the unique challenges faced by his team. Typically tasked with post-celebration cleanups, the crew was temporarily put on hold due to the tragic incident that occurred.
After being called in around midnight to assess the situation, Torres and his workers were instructed to wait until authorities had ensured the area was safe from any potential threats. The cleanup operation commenced around 1:30-2:00 AM, once the investigative procedures had been completed.
Describing the scale of the cleanup task, Torres emphasized the magnitude of the operation compared to past experiences, such as post-Mardi Gras cleanups. Despite the somber atmosphere, Torres expressed gratitude towards those who had protected and served the community, while also extending condolences to the victims and their families.
With the cleanup now completed, Bourbon Street and the surrounding French Quarter have been readied for the return of pedestrians and visitors. Torres affirmed that the area is prepared to welcome back individuals as soon as the authorities, including the mayor and the FBI, deem it safe to do so.
