16 killed as power line falls during Brazil carnival

By IANS
Monday, February 28, 2011

Rio de Janeiro, March 1 (IANS/EFE) At least 16 people were killed and around 50 were injured when a power line fell during a pre-carnival celebration in Brazil, police said.

The accident occurred Sunday in the main plaza in Bandeira do Sul, a city with 6,000 people in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

The power line fell when a truck carrying large speakers hit it, knocking out power to the plaza, witnesses said.

Several people riding in the truck were thrown to the ground and many others - both in the truck and dancing in the street - were electrocuted by the power line.

Some people said fireworks hit the power line, causing a short-circuit.

The city had organised several celebrations during the weekend ahead of the carnival.

–IANS/EFE

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