A float shows at the Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Feb. 2, 2008. Ten A-grade samba schools performed Saturday night. The Rio Carnival 2008 lasted from Feb. 1 to 5. (Xinhua Photo/Zhang Chuanqi) Photo Gallery>>>

    RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Deaths during the Brazil Carnival fell 11.7 percent this year, Federal Road Police said Thursday.

    A total of 128 people died as a result of traffic accidents during the festival, down from 145 in 2007, police said.

    However, there were 2,396 accidents on Feb. 1-6, marking a 1.57-percent increase on last year's event, and a total of 1,590 people were injured, up 7.4 percent.

    Police also inspected 7,167 roadside stores during the festival to enforce a new law banning the sale of alcohol along federal roads, and altogether 855 stores were fined for breaching the legislation.

    Additionally, 202 motorists were arrested for drunk-driving and another 624 failed the blood-alcohol test and were not allowed to continue their trips.

Two children die in Brazil carnival truck crash
    RIO DE JANERIO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least two children died and 12 other were injured early Sunday in Belo Horizonte, capital of Brazilian state Minas Gerais, when a carnival truck hit a group of people dancing in the street, police said.

    Police said the truck, which had been converted into an "electric throne" to carry orchestras, suffered a brake failure on a hillside and crushed those in its path.  Full story

Revellers perform at the Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Feb. 2, 2008. Ten A-grade samba schools performed Saturday night. The Rio Carnival 2008 lasted from Feb. 1 to 5. (Xinhua Photo/Zhang Chuanqi) Photo Gallery>>>

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