Carnival Float Electrocution - Over a dozen people were killed and more than twice that number of people sustained injuries after a high tension power line fell on a crowded carnival float in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday morning.
Mountainous carnival floats are known to have problems with power lines across the Caribbean. Witnesses claim someone had attempted to prop the power line up with a stick so that the revelers could pass, but it struck the head of a musician on top of the float before it fell on it.
The musician seen in the video is known as Phantom. A medic from the General Hospital has confirmed to the Haiti-Caribbean News Network that he is not part of the casualties. Nonetheless, he is said to be in critical condition.
Witnesses claim many victims were electrocuted on the carnival float, while others leapt to the floor for safety - in the process injuring themselves and others. The carnival float reportedly caught fire after the initial sparks seen in the video.
Nadia Lochard, a coordinator with the Department of Civil Protection, has revealed that at least 20 people were killed and 46 injured in the accident.
Local sources say most of the people injured in the accident were taken to the General Hospital. Several people thronged to the health facility to check on their friends and relatives. Dr. Joel Desire, who works at the Port-au-Prince General Hospital, has revealed that up to 18 people have died at the hospital.
Haiti carnivals are renowned to be one of the most raucous and Tuesday was the main day of the Mardi Gras celebration. Reports indicate that the carnival float at the center of the recent incident was sponsored by a local hip-hop group, known as Barikad Crew.
A statement from the country's information minister Rotchild Francois jr. said the carnival float was around Haiti's famous Champ de Mars area when the accident occurred. He offered sympathies to the people affected by the incident and said the government will assist those affected in the tragedy.
It is unclear if the carnival celebrations will proceed.
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