Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

Haiti declares three days of mourning after carnival tragedy

Haiti declares three days of mourning after carnival tragedy
Copyright 
By Euronews
Published on
Share Comments Add Euronews on Google
Share Close Button

Thousands of mourners including Haiti’s President Michel Martelly have walked through the centre of Port-au-Prince in memory of the victims of an

Thousands of mourners including Haiti’s President Michel Martelly have walked through the centre of Port-au-Prince in memory of the victims of an accident during the capital’s annual carnival parade.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Sixteen people died and at least 78 more were injured after a power line fell onto a carnival float.

The president and his government have declared three days of mourning and a state funeral will be held for the victims on Saturday. The last day of the carnival has been cancelled.

The accident happened when a high voltage overhead cable struck a singer performing on one of the floats carrying him and his band. Several people were electrocuted, but most of the victims were trampled to death in the ensuing panic.

The singer remains in hospital in a stable but serious condition.

At least 18 killed in mass electrocution in Haiti Carnival accident, AP</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/AJENews">AJENews reports http://t.co/0N7WK321DP pic.twitter.com/ac6MYj2cEf

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) February 17, 2015

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share Comments Add Euronews on Google

Read more

UN chief visits Haiti as gang violence soars and number of displaced hits 1.5 million

At least 2,300 killed this year in Haiti gang violence, UN human rights chief says

Haiti embraces World Cup dream after 54-year wait