At least 16 dead after Carnival float hits low-hanging power line

MGN

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Haiti’s prime minister has declared three days of mourning after an accident in a Carnival parade left at least 16 people dead.

Officials say a man on top of a musical group’s Carnival float was shocked by high-voltage wires above the street, setting off a panic in which dozens of people were trampled.

Prime Minister Evans Paul says 16 people are confirmed dead and 78 were injured. Earlier, the Department of Civil Protection said at least 20 people were killed.

The accident occurred early today as thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Port-au-Prince for the raucous annual celebration.

Officials have canceled all remaining events on this third and final day of Carnival festivities. A state funeral and vigil for the victims is scheduled for Saturday.

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