Police say 28 people have been injured when a pick-up truck ploughed into a crowd watching the Krewe of Endymion parade to celebrate Mardi Gras in the US city of New Orleans.

The crash happened on Saturday about 6.45pm local time, along the parade route near Orleans and Carrollton Avenues.

The driver appeared to be drunk, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.

One man has been taken into custody.