16 revelers killed in Haiti carnival - an event of joy turns into one of mourning

#haiticarnival #portauprince #fantom #mardigras It was supposed to be an event of joy and celebrations in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, but it turned into one of death and mourning when at least 16 people died and 78 others were hurt after a carnival float hit a power line in the Caribbean country of Haiti. This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 17 February 2015.
It seems most of the victims were trampled to death in a stampede that followed after the float struck a high-voltage overhead cable. According to amateur video released in the social media, there were sparks after a singer called Fantom, who was on the float, was jolted by the power line near a stand that was packed with spectators.
The death was of seven people who were present on the float – they were electrocuted. Others were trampled to death in the stampede. Incidentally, the three-day event coincides with many Mardi Gras carnivals internationally.
Prime Minister Evans Paul has declared three official days of mourning and officials of Haiti have short closed the celebrations and cancelled the final day of events. They have also announced a state funeral and vigil on Saturday for the victims.
Haiti's president, Michel Martelly, has expressed his "sincerest apologies" to victims and their families. It may be recalled that before the celebrations began, Haiti's US embassy had cautioned visitors to be vigilant for robberies, assaults and pick-pockets.
The singer Fantom is part of the hip-hop band Barikad Crew and was among the injured – he is expected to survive.