16 killed as power line falls during Brazil carnival
By IANSMonday, 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
