RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 people were electrocuted and dozens injured during a pre-carnival parade in a small Brazilian town, police said Monday.
The accident happened late Sunday in the town of Bandeira do Sul in Minas Gerais state, north of Rio de Janeiro.
A crowd of people were dancing near a truck playing loud music during pre-carnival celebrations when an overhead power cable broke and fell among the revellers, according to the reports.
The power line was hit by fireworks, causing a blackout in the whole town.
Over half a million people were taking part in the street parade ahead of the carnival, which begins on Friday.
Carnival is a popular event in Brazil and Rio de Janeiro's parade is the most famous, attracting thousands of Brazilian and foreign tourists every year.
